Spiked Speedwell is a clump-forming perennial native to northern Europe and Asia, prized for its summer-long display of tiny, star-shaped violet-blue flowers arranged in dense, tapered spikes that rise well above a mound of narrow, toothed green foliage. Hardy from zones 3 to 8, it grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, blooming from June through August with flowers that are excellent for cutting and garden arrangement. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun with moderate moisture and tolerates both deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for borders and mixed plantings.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-8
18in H x 18in W
—
High
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The violet-blue flower spikes emerge continuously throughout summer, each tiny bloom arranged in dense, tapered terminal racemes that create vertical interest without overwhelming a planting. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid it entirely, so you can plant with confidence even in areas where wildlife pressure is intense. Its shallow root system means it loves consistent moisture paired with sharp drainage, especially over winter, and responds beautifully to deadheading by producing a prolonged season of bloom.
Spiked Speedwell is grown as a cut flower, valued for the showy, long-lasting spike blooms that bring vertical structure to bouquets and arrangements. In the garden, it functions as a border perennial and mixed planting component, where its continuous summer bloom and clump-forming habit provide reliable color and form without demanding attention.
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For cut flowers, harvest flower spikes when the tiny violet-blue blooms are open and vibrant, typically during the height of summer bloom from June through August. Cut spikes in early morning or evening when plant tissues are fully hydrated, using a sharp knife to sever stems above the foliage mound. The dense, tapered spikes last well in water and continue to open over several days.
Remove spent flower spikes regularly throughout the blooming season (June through August) to encourage additional flowers and extend the display. After flowering ends, cut plants back to basal growth to tidy the planting and promote healthy new growth for the following season.
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“Veronica spicata has its roots in the plant lore of northern Europe and Asia, where the genus itself carries spiritual significance. The name Veronica honors Saint Veronica, who reportedly offered her handkerchief to Jesus on the way to Calvary, and some plants in the genus display markings said to resemble those on the sacred cloth. This species has been cultivated for centuries as a reliable, unpretentious perennial that gardeners could count on year after year.”