Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’
£6.45
Speedwell. A mat-forming perennial with rosettes of dark green glossy leaves. Upright stems of pale-blue flowers with dark-blue veins in early summer. Height and Spread 45cm. Flowers May to July. Full sun/partial shade. Moist, well drained soil. Hardy.
Description
Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’ is a mat-forming perennial renowned for its glossy dark green leaves and upright stems of pale-blue flowers with striking dark-blue veins. Blooming from May to July, this perennial adds delicate colour and texture to borders, rockeries, and containers, while attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: The ideal time to plant Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish firmly before flowering, ensuring a robust and healthy plant.
- Autumn: Early autumn planting is also suitable, giving the plant time to settle before dormancy and promoting vigorous growth the following season.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Veronica thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot that receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimum growth and flowering.
- Soil: Well-drained, moist soil is essential for Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so improve drainage with compost or organic matter if necessary.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal depth to the root ball of Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’ to allow roots ample space to spread.
- Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enrich nutrients and improve drainage.
- Planting: Position the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
- Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’ to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Once established, Veronica prefers consistently moist soil. Water during dry spells, allowing the surface to dry slightly between watering.
- Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during dormancy, only providing water if the soil becomes very dry.
Feeding
- Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser to Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’ in early spring to support healthy new growth and flowering.
- Mid-Summer: A light feed can encourage continued flowering and maintain plant vigour.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Autumn Pruning: Cut back Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’ to ground level after flowering to prepare for dormancy and encourage fresh growth next season.
Mulching
- Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your Veronica to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Winter: Additional mulch can protect roots from cold and prevent frost heaving.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking is usually unnecessary for Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’, but consider light support in particularly exposed or windy locations.
Final Tips
Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’ is a low-maintenance perennial perfect for adding a soft blue display to borders, rockeries, and containers. Plant it in a sunny to partially shaded position with well-drained soil and follow this care routine to enjoy its attractive foliage and delicate flowers each season.
Additional information
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