Veronica [Inspire Blue] ('Yabblu')

RHS Plant Profile

spiked speedwell [Inspire Blue]

Synonyms

Veronica spicata 'Yabblu'

Herbaceous Perennial

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A clump-forming perennial to 60cm in height, forming low tufts of lance-shaped, green leaves and upright flower stems topped with star-shaped, deep-blue flowers from late spring to summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Chalk, Clay, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Chalk Clay Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus: Veronica can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs with paired leaves and small flowers usually in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes
Name Status: Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

It is tolerant to wide range of soils, as long as not extremely dry or prone to waterlogging. It prefers loamy, moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soils and position in full sun or light shade. Mulching is beneficial on dry soils

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Flower borders and beds
Garden edging

Pruning

deadheading encourages further flowers. Remove faded flower stems in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot, Powdery mildew and downy mildews