Veronica Speedwell, also known as Speedwell, is a delightful herbaceous perennial that can add a vibrant touch to any garden. One of the great advantages of this plant is its ability to bloom for an extended period, although it may not bloom all summer long.
Speedwell typically begins to bloom in late spring, showcasing its beautiful flowers. The blooming period continues through mid-summer, displaying a profusion of charming blossoms that can vary in color depending on the specific variety. These flowers can range from shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, adding a lovely splash of color to your garden.
While Speedwell’s blooming season is impressive, it is important to note that the plant may not continue to bloom for the entire summer. The duration of the blooming period can vary based on various factors, including the specific variety of Speedwell, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices.
To encourage prolonged blooming, it is essential to provide Speedwell with the optimal growing conditions. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil, so make sure to provide adequate watering while also ensuring proper drainage. Additionally, Speedwell prefers full sun exposure, so placing it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended.
Regular deadheading, which involves removing faded flowers, can also help promote continuous blooming. This practice encourages the plant to redirect its energy towards producing new blooms rather than seed production. By shearing down the plant to the basal rosette once the initial blooming period is over, you can stimulate the growth of new flowers for a potential round of fall blooms.
It is worth noting that some Speedwell varieties may have a more extended blooming period than others. For example, Veronica spicata ‘Royal Candles’ is known for its extended flowering season, often continuing into late summer or early fall. This particular cultivar showcases vibrant violet-blue flowers and can be a wonderful addition to your garden if you desire a longer bloom time.
However, even with the most optimal conditions and diligent maintenance, it is important to remember that Speedwell, like many plants, has its natural life cycle. After its initial blooming period, it may enter a period of dormancy or focus its energy on other aspects of growth, such as foliage development or root expansion.
In my personal experience, I have found that Speedwell can indeed provide blooms throughout a significant portion of the summer, especially when proper care is taken. However, it is also important to appreciate the plant’s natural rhythm and not expect continuous blooming throughout the entire season.
To summarize, while Veronica Speedwell is known for its extended blooming period, it may not bloom all summer long. The specific variety, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices can influence the duration of the blooming period. Providing Speedwell with moist, well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and regular deadheading can help promote continuous blooms. However, it is also important to understand and appreciate the plant’s natural life cycle and not expect continuous blooming throughout the entire summer.
