Veronica longifolia 'Melanie White'

RHS Plant Profile
garden speedwell 'Melanie White'
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

'Melanie White' is an herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall with erect stems bearing lance-shaped, toothed, dark green leaves. The leafy stems are topped by spikes densely-crowded with small white flowers in summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, 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

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead after flowering, remove faded flower stems in the autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus