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Herbaceous Perennial

Veronica spicata 'Alba'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

spiked speedwell 'Alba'

A clump-forming perennial to 45cm high with green, lance shaped toothed leaves and dense, tapering spikes of small white flowers in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Tolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as they are not extremely dry or prone to waterlogging. Prefers loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soils and a position in full sun or light shade

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
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

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