Speedwell 'Noah Williams' is a compact perennial that blooms reliably from June through August with showy flowers attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, this low-maintenance plant reaches just 12 to 18 inches tall and spreads to about 12 inches wide, making it a natural fit for ground covers or naturalized plantings. It thrives in full sun with moderate water needs and shrugs off both deer and drought with ease, asking only for well-drained soil and consistent moisture during establishment.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-8
18in H x 12in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Dense, spike-like flower clusters rise above toothed, narrow green foliage in shades of violet-blue, creating vertical interest that draws butterflies throughout the summer. The genus takes its name from Saint Veronica, and some Veronica species are said to bear markings resembling those on the saint's handkerchief, adding an almost sacred dimension to this humble plant. Speedwell resists damage from deer and rabbits while tolerating shallow, rocky soils and drought once established, making it unusually resilient for a flower this refined.
Speedwell serves best as a ground cover or naturalized accent in perennial borders, where its spiky flowers create architectural contrast against softer-textured plants. The blooms are excellent for cutting, extending the garden indoors from early summer through late summer. Its low stature and spreading habit make it valuable for edging pathways or softening the bones of a landscape.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Remove spent flower spikes throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering. After the main bloom period ends, cut plants back to basal growth to revitalize the foliage and encourage new, bushier development in the following season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Veronica spicata, commonly known as spike speedwell, originates from northern Europe and Asia, where it has grown wild for centuries. The genus name itself honors Saint Veronica in Christian tradition, said to have offered her handkerchief to Jesus on the road to Calvary. Through centuries of European cultivation, nurseries and seed savers developed numerous cultivars, including 'Noah Williams', each refined to suit particular garden conditions or aesthetic preferences.”