When Christ was laboring beneath the heavy cross, He faltered, and a maiden, St. Veronica, rushed forward to wipe the perspiration from His brow. The impression of His face was found upon her napkin. Such is the story of St. Veronica, and because the markings of some species of Veronica resemble a face, this flower was named after St. Veronica. It is a pretty story and one we recall when looking at this flower. Veronicas are excellent border and rock garden subjects. The diversity of the species renders them of use in many spots.
Veronica Species
Veronica longifolia subsessilis. Japanese Speedwell is, perhaps, one of the most attractive of all blue-violet flowers for the border. The long spikes of bloom are feet tall and are produced through July to late September.
V. spicala grows 1 1/2 feet tall and bears either blue, pink, or white flowers in June.
V. incana seldom grows over a foot tall. Its amethyst-blue flowers are surrounded by gray foliage. It blooms in July and August.
V. Virginia, Culver’s Root, is a tall plant, 3 to 5 feet high, that produces clusters of white spikes of bloom throughout July. It is often called Leptandra Virginia.
V. Teucrium rupeslris and V. repens are dwarf, trailing sorts carpeting the soil with green and covered with pale blue flowers in May and June.
Where to use this plant
As already stated, the Veronicas are superb for the perennial border and the rock garden. V. Teucrium rupeslris and V. repens are also good ground covers for dry banks or graves. The taller sorts are good for cutting, especially Y. longifolia subsessilis.
Gardening Tips
Veronicas are of easy culture; they usually prefer moist soil. Although they grow in poor soil, some fertilizer in the form of bonemeal will increase the size of the spikes. They generally prefer full sun, perhaps with the exception of Y. virginica and Y. repens.
How to propagate the plant
The plants are easily divided. Seeds may be sown and some sorts root when the branches touch the soil
Information on 75+ Perennials