Spiked Speedwell 'Ulster Blue Dwarf' - 4 pieces

CHF 19.90

Spiked Speedwell 'Ulster Blue Dwarf' - 4 pieces

Name: Spiked Speedwell 'Ulster Blue Dwarf' - 4 pieces
Brand: Veronica
Price: 19.90 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Veronica spicata 'Ulster Blue Dwarf'

CHF 19.90

Intense royal-blue flower spikes
Very long flowering from June to October
Compact, about 25–35 cm tall
Tolerates chalk and dry summer soil
For border edges, path edges and pots

Veronica spicata 'Ulster Blue Dwarf' is a low spiked speedwell with intense royal-blue spikes. Before opening, the tips glow greenish, then turn a brilliant blue. It flowers from June into October in sunny spots while staying compact.

About this variety

'Ulster Blue Dwarf' is one of the most intensely coloured speedwell varieties. The spikes are densely set with small flowers in strong royal blue, and while they are still opening the tips shimmer greenish. Beneath them the green foliage forms a dense, low cushion. The plant flowers for many months.

At about 25–35 cm tall it suits the front edge of perennial borders, along paths, in rock gardens and pots. Full sun and a free-draining soil are important, whether chalky, clay, loamy or sandy. Yellow yarrow, pink sedum, white daisies or grasses complement the strong blue.

Bees and butterflies visit the spikes all summer. They cut well for small posies. The perennial is hardy and copes well with dry summers. Cutting back faded spikes extends flowering into autumn. In pots on the terrace it brings bright colour for months while staying neat and compact.

Planting

Plant in spring from March to May or in autumn in September and October in a spot in full sun with free-draining soil. Dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball and set the root collar just below the surface. Space plants 30–40 cm apart and water in.

Care

Water only during longer dry spells, more regularly in pots. Compost in spring is enough. Cut off faded spikes and the plant will flower until October. Divide older cushions in spring.

Specifications

Botanical name: Veronica spicata 'Ulster Blue Dwarf'
Genus: Perennials
Class: Various
Supplied as: Bare roots
Flower colour: Blue
Flower size: 10 cm
Flowering time: June, July, August, September, October
Flowering season: Early summer, High summer, Late summer and autumn
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Position: Sun
Suitable for: Bed, Bed edge and border, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Pot and container, Cutting garden
Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: March, April, May, September, October
Planting depth: Just cover the root collar
Spacing: 30–40 cm
Number per m²: 7
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
Hardiness zone (USDA): 3–8
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Only partly suitable for containers
Container note: Only recommended in a sufficiently large, stable, well-drained container.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Not suitable
Naturalising note: Persists for several years in a suitable spot, but does not normally spread over larger areas on its own.
For bees and butterflies: Pollinator-friendly
RHS hardiness: H4