For gardeners with limited time, choosing carefree plants is key to a low-maintenance yard. Speedwell (Veronica) is a tough ornamental that is tolerant of different soils and watering needs, with varieties that are hardy in most regions. Sizes and forms range from creeping groundcovers a few inches high to upright flower spikes reaching several feet tall. Low growers are suited for containers, border edging and rock gardens, while taller veronicas make good cut flowers and combine well with other plants in beds and borders. Groundcovers tend to bloom in spring, while spiky forms produce flowers during the summer.
There are more than 500 species of Veronica, with origins mainly in Europe. Nearly all are long-lived perennials, particularly those grown by home gardeners, though a small percentage are annuals. Veronica flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinating insects, making them eco-friendly, too.
Veronica blooms best with at least 6 hours of full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Flowers come in blue, purple, white or pink; with green, gold, or silver foliage. Groundcover types produce a profusion of tiny individual flowers or short flower spikes; and summer blooming, taller varieties, have clusters of flowers that grow in spikes.
Veronica is not thought to be toxic to humans or pets. Some are edible, while others have herbal or medicinal qualities.
Transplant during cooler months in spring or fall to avoid heat stress. Start seed indoors in late winter or early spring, 4 to 6 weeks prior to your last average frost-free date. Sow seeds directly outside in mid-late spring after all danger of frost is past.
Choose a sunny site with rich, well-draining soil. Veronica can tolerate a range of soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. Planting in too much shade can result in fewer flowers.
Loosen soil to the depth of the container and twice the diameter, and mix in compost. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease out the roots if potbound. Dig a hole and place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Gently tamp down soil around the base and water well. Spacing will vary from 10 to 20 inches depending on the variety. When growing from seed, press seeds gently into the soil but don’t cover, as light will aid in germination. Keep moist until seeds germinate in approximately 14 to 21 days.
For upright types, cut back spent flowers just below the spike to encourage rebloom. Taller varieties may need staking. All types can be divided in spring or fall every few years as needed, especially if dieback occurs at the center of the plant.
Most veronicas do best in amended, well-draining soil. They are tolerant of clay or sand, as well as neutral, alkaline, or acidic pH.
In spring, cover soil around the plant with a thin layer of compost, then add two inches of mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Avoid covering the crown of the plant with either the compost or mulch.
When planted in the ideal site, veronica is resistant to most pests and diseases. If planted in too much shade, veronica can develop fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust and leaf spot. Poor drainage can cause root rot. Insect problems include scale, spider mites, and thrips.
Veronica tends to be deer-resistant, though extreme conditions can result in deer grazing on plants they wouldn’t otherwise.
Veronica Royal Candles is a beautiful perennial plant that adds vibrant vertical spikes of color to gardens With proper companion planting, these eye-catching flowers can be the star of your landscape In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully grow Veronica Royal Candles and which plants make the best companions.
Overview of Veronica Royal Candles
Veronica Royal Candles (Veronica spicata ‘Royal Candles’) is a hybrid variety known for its dense, upright spikes of bright purple flowers. It blooms in early to mid-summer on plants that reach 1-2 feet tall and 1 foot wide The narrow green leaves provide a nice contrast to the richly-colored blooms
This perennial is hardy in zones 4-8 and does best in full sun exposure. It prefers moist, well-draining soil but has better drought tolerance once established. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in the spring to maintain vigor.
Veronica Royal Candles has fewer disease problems than some Veronica species but powdery mildew can be an issue, Good air circulation helps prevent foliar diseases,
Best Companion Plants for Veronica Royal Candles
With its vertical form and weeks of color, Veronica Royal Candles stands out beautifully when combined with other perennials, annuals, bulbs, and shrubs. Here are some excellent plant pairings:
Perennials
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Bee balm (Monarda) – Attracts pollinators with summertime blooms in shades of red, pink, purple. Grows 18-36 inches tall.
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Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) – Cheerful yellow daisies bloom summer into fall. Grows 24-36 inches tall.
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Blazing star (Liatris) – Bold purple flower spikes in mid to late summer. Grows 24-48 inches tall.
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Coral bells (Heuchera) – Evergreen foliage and airy blooms. Grows 12-18 inches tall.
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Coneflower (Echinacea) – Daisy-like flowers in pink, purple, white. Grows 24-40 inches tall.
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Daylily (Hemerocallis) – Early to late summer blooms in many colors. Grows 15-30 inches tall.
Annuals
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Cosmos – Airy flowers in pink, white, red. Grows 24-48 inches tall.
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Marigolds – Cheery yellow, gold, orange blooms. Grows 6-30 inches tall depending on variety.
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Snapdragon (Antirrhinum) – Spikes of pink, red, white, yellow. Grows 6-36 inches tall.
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Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) – Towering yellow blooms. Dwarf types grow 12-18 inches, larger varieties 4-12 feet tall.
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Zinnias – Profuse flowers in many bright colors. Grows 6 inches to 4 feet tall depending on variety.
Bulbs
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Alliums – Large rounded flower heads bloom spring to early summer. Grows 8-36 inches tall depending on variety.
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Daffodils (Narcissus) – Cheery spring blooms in yellow, white, orange, pink. Grows 6-24 inches tall.
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Ornamental onions (Allium) – Purple spherical flower clusters in late spring. Grows 12-36 inches tall.
Shrubs
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Spirea – Spring and summer blooms on mounded shrubs. Grows 2-6 feet tall and wide.
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Weigela – Tubular flowers in pink, red, white in late spring. Grows 4-6 feet tall and wide.
Companion Planting in Containers
The vertical form of Veronica Royal Candles also looks fantastic combined with other plants in patio containers and window boxes. Try mixing it with:
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Annuals like trailing nasturtiums, petunias, or verbena
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Herbs like thyme, oregano, basil
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Ornamental grasses like blue fescue for height and texture
Use a quality potting mix and fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Place the container in full sun. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Designing a Garden Bed with Veronica Royal Candles
When planting a landscape bed featuring Veronica Royal Candles, here is an eye-catching sample combination:
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Backdrop shrubs: Abelia, spirea, weigela
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Mid-layer perennials: Bee balm, coneflowers, black-eyed susans
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Front layer groundcover: Sweet alyssum or dwarf coleus
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Vertical Thriller: Veronica Royal Candles
This lively garden will provide non-stop color from spring through fall. The Veronica Royal Candles will beautifully highlight the rounded shapes of the shrubs and mounded perennials. The groundcover fills in the front to prevent bare soil.
Growing a Vibrant Garden with Veronica Royal Candles
With its long-lasting vertical color, Veronica Royal Candles brings energy and beauty to gardens and containers. Combine it with compatible perennials, annuals, bulbs, and shrubs to create stunning displays. With this guide for successful companion planting, you’ll be on your way to a gorgeous landscape that features the eye-catching blooms of Veronica Royal Candles.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT VERONICA
With so many varieties, here are some tips to consider:
PerennialsDiscover the right perennial plants for your garden.
Magic Show® ‘Purple Illusion’ spike speedwell. Photo by: Proven Winners
For gardeners with limited time, choosing carefree plants is key to a low-maintenance yard. Speedwell (Veronica) is a tough ornamental that is tolerant of different soils and watering needs, with varieties that are hardy in most regions. Sizes and forms range from creeping groundcovers a few inches high to upright flower spikes reaching several feet tall. Low growers are suited for containers, border edging and rock gardens, while taller veronicas make good cut flowers and combine well with other plants in beds and borders. Groundcovers tend to bloom in spring, while spiky forms produce flowers during the summer.
There are more than 500 species of Veronica, with origins mainly in Europe. Nearly all are long-lived perennials, particularly those grown by home gardeners, though a small percentage are annuals. Veronica flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinating insects, making them eco-friendly, too.
3 to 48 inches tall, 8 to 24 inches wide
Veronica blooms best with at least 6 hours of full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
From spring to fall, some with repeat bloom.
Flowers come in blue, purple, white or pink; with green, gold, or silver foliage. Groundcover types produce a profusion of tiny individual flowers or short flower spikes; and summer blooming, taller varieties, have clusters of flowers that grow in spikes.
Veronica is not thought to be toxic to humans or pets. Some are edible, while others have herbal or medicinal qualities.
Magic Show® White Wands spike speedwell. Photo by: Proven Winners
Transplant during cooler months in spring or fall to avoid heat stress. Start seed indoors in late winter or early spring, 4 to 6 weeks prior to your last average frost-free date. Sow seeds directly outside in mid-late spring after all danger of frost is past.
Choose a sunny site with rich, well-draining soil. Veronica can tolerate a range of soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. Planting in too much shade can result in fewer flowers.
Loosen soil to the depth of the container and twice the diameter, and mix in compost. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease out the roots if potbound. Dig a hole and place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Gently tamp down soil around the base and water well. Spacing will vary from 10 to 20 inches depending on the variety. When growing from seed, press seeds gently into the soil but don’t cover, as light will aid in germination. Keep moist until seeds germinate in approximately 14 to 21 days.
For upright types, cut back spent flowers just below the spike to encourage rebloom. Taller varieties may need staking. All types can be divided in spring or fall every few years as needed, especially if dieback occurs at the center of the plant.
Most veronicas do best in amended, well-draining soil. They are tolerant of clay or sand, as well as neutral, alkaline, or acidic pH.
In spring, cover soil around the plant with a thin layer of compost, then add two inches of mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Avoid covering the crown of the plant with either the compost or mulch.
Water once a week during summer, or more as needed during hot spells.
When planted in the ideal site, veronica is resistant to most pests and diseases. If planted in too much shade, veronica can develop fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust and leaf spot. Poor drainage can cause root rot. Insect problems include scale, spider mites, and thrips.
Veronica tends to be deer-resistant, though extreme conditions can result in deer grazing on plants they wouldn’t otherwise.
Veronica ‘Royal Candles’ Speedwell – Power Perennial – Plant Spotlight
FAQ
What plants go well with Veronica?
Veronica combines well with many other perennials. Possible companions include tickseed, daylily, yarrow, lady’s mantle, salvia, campanula, Shasta daisy, and coral bells. For early-flowering types, combine with spring blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
Does Veronica Royal candles spread?
Royal Candles Veronica will grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 inches.
What goes well with Veronica?
Pair veronica with companions like salvia, sedum, shasta daisy, yarrow, or nepeta to create bold, long-lasting plant combinations.
What to pair with Speedwell?
Combine it with other classic cottage garden plants like Roses, Peonies, or Delphiniums. Cut Flower Gardens: If you enjoy bringing fresh flowers indoors, consider including Longleaf Speedwell in a cut flower garden. Its long, sturdy flower spikes hold up well in arrangements.