Prostrate Speedwell 'Spode Blue'

Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue' is a vigorous and easy-to-grow alpine that provides a spectacular wash of colour in the early summer garden. It forms a low mat of small, lance-shaped green leaves. The cultivar is noted for its particularly intense, clear light-blue flowers which are held in dense, upright spikes (racemes) about 10-15cm tall. This Speedwell is more tolerant of different garden conditions than many stricter alpines, handling a range of soil types provided they are not waterlogged. In the UK, it is highly effective when planted at the edge of a sunny path or allowed to spread through the gaps in a rockery. After the initial flush of flowers, shearing off the spent flower spikes can sometimes encourage a smaller second flush and keeps the foliage looking neat and tidy throughout the remainder of the growing season.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.