It is recommended to cut back Veronica spicata, also known as spike speedwell, for optimal growth and blooming. Pruning this perennial plant during its bloom season helps to stimulate more branching and blooming, resulting in a fuller and more abundant display of flowers.
To start, you should deadhead individual faded flower spikes. This means removing the spent flowers by cutting them off just above a set of healthy leaves or buds. Deadheading not only improves the plant’s appearance but also encourages the development of new flower spikes, prolonging the blooming period.
If your Veronica spicata starts to look straggly or untidy, you have the option to shear off the entire plant down to the foliage. This can help rejuvenate the plant and promote a more compact growth habit. Shearing can be done with a pair of sharp pruning shears or hedge clippers, depending on the size of the plant. Just be sure to avoid cutting into the woody base of the plant, as this may cause damage.
In late fall or after the first killing frost, it is necessary to cut back all the foliage of Veronica spicata. This is done to prepare the plant for its dormant period during winter. Using pruning shears or hedge clippers, trim the foliage down to within a few inches of the ground. This will help protect the plant from harsh winter conditions and encourage new growth in the following spring.
When it comes to pruning Veronica spicata, it is important to note that this plant is relatively tolerant of pruning and can bounce back quickly. However, it is always a good practice to avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage at once, as this may stress the plant.
In my personal experience, I have found that regular deadheading and occasional shearing of Veronica spicata can greatly enhance its overall appearance and blooming performance. By removing faded flowers and promoting new growth, the plant remains vigorous and continues to produce beautiful spikes of flowers throughout the season.
To summarize the pruning recommendations for Veronica spicata:
1. Deadhead individual faded flower spikes by cutting them off just above a set of healthy leaves or buds.
2. Shear off the entire plant down to the foliage if it becomes straggly or untidy.
3. Cut back all foliage to within a few inches of the ground after the first killing frost in late fall.
4. Avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at once to prevent stress.
By following these pruning practices, you can maintain a healthy and vibrant Veronica spicata in your garden, ensuring a profusion of beautiful flowers year after year.
