The true-blue of Veronica longfolia adds strong verticals with Scabiosa ochraleuca dancing through their spires

Veronica

Common name: Speedwell

Plants with lovely spires of blue or white flowers early in summer. Not fussy about soil type but on the whole prefer soil that isn't bone dry. Some varieties love shade and others are best in sun - see descriptions.

Propagation is by division and we find this is most successful in early spring. Some varieties will self seed.

Excellent for bees and butterflies.

They make long lasting cut flowers.

A member of the Plantaginaceae family.

Brilliant Bee plant.

Veronica longifolia

Tall spires of deep blue flowers on tough, easy to grow plants. About 3ft / 90cm tall - they may need light staking if grown on their own. In amongst other plants that give them support they stand up well. Flowers profusely and for a long time in summer - late June through to the start of September.

This variety does best in a sunny spot and copes well with dry conditions. It will self seed if not dead headed but not to excess.

Veronica longifolia Snow Giant