Product Description
Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' PP27428 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Spike Speedwell
This posh perennial produces a plethora of paintbrush-like, purple flowers on heavily branched scapes from midsummer into late summer. Honeybees, hummingbirds, and butterflies delight in their sweet nectar. Each main flower spike is surrounded by up to a dozen secondary flower spikes, resulting in a prolonged season of bloom. The bright green, upright clumping foliage may take on some red tones in fall.
Veronica is highly valued for its ease of growth and long bloom time. The spiky flowers are an excellent contrast to the more common rounded flower shapes like Shasta Daisies, Coneflower, and Black Eyed Susans. Expect bees to be buzzing about this plant when in bloom.
This perennial is tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soil types. Amending soils, especially very heavy and light types, with generous amounts of organic matter will result in improved performance. Although tolerant of partial shade, it will flower better in full sun. Deadheading will promote additional blooms. Shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering.
Height: 18.0-20.0 Inches
Spread: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades - Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Late Summer, Long Blooming
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' (Spike Speedwell) is a perennial with rosy orchid-purple flower spikes that bloom from mid to late summer. This captivating plant was hybridized by Roy Herd of Walter's Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan. Each main flower spike is surrounded by up to a dozen secondary flower spikes, creating a stunning, long-lasting floral display that continues for weeks. The delicate blooms open from the base upward, adding to their visual appeal. The vibrant flower spikes rise above a lush mound of lance-shaped, bright green leaves, which may take on attractive red hues in the fall.
Hardiness Zones
Gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8 can successfully cultivate Veronica 'Very Van Gogh'. It can withstand frigid temperatures down to -30°F (-34.4°C). While it can tolerate some heat, it is important to ensure the soil remains consistently moist in hotter climates.
Ideal Growing Conditions
This sun-loving perennial thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. While it tolerates partial shade, it produces more abundant blooms when planted in a sunny location. Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' is adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soil types, including normal, clay, and sandy soils. For optimal growth and reduced maintenance, amend clay or infertile soil with organic matter.
Characteristics Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' is a standout perennial with a unique combination of features:
- Flowers: The most striking feature of this plant is its abundance of rosy orchid-purple flower spikes. These long-blooming flowers emerge in mid-summer and continue through late summer, providing weeks of vibrant color. The numerous secondary flower spikes that surround each main spike further extend the bloom time and create a captivating display. The flowers are also highly attractive to pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Foliage: The flowers rise above a healthy mound of lance-shaped, bright green leaves. This foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the vibrant blooms and adds to the plant's overall appeal. In the fall, the leaves may take on red hues, providing additional seasonal interest.
- Growth Habit and Size: Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' has an upright, bushy habit and a columnar form. It typically grows to a height of 18-20 inches and a width of 20-24 inches, making it an ideal mid-sized perennial for borders and containers.
- Maintenance and Tolerance: This Speedwell variety is known for its low-maintenance nature and tolerance to various conditions. It is deer resistant, drought tolerant, and heat tolerant, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden settings. It is also salt tolerant, which is particularly beneficial for gardeners in coastal areas.
- Uses: Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' is a versatile plant with various uses in the garden. It is an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, and containers. Its long-lasting blooms and sturdy stems also make it a superb cut flower.
Origins
Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' is a hybrid Veronica that originated from Walter's Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan. It was hybridized by Roy Herd through an uncontrolled open pollination of Veronica 'Baby Doll' with an unknown male parent. Veronica 'Baby Doll' itself is a hybrid resulting from a cross between Veronica longifolia and Veronica spicata.
Pests and Diseases
While generally pest and disease-free, Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Potential pests include aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. To minimize the risk of these problems, ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering. If symptoms of disease or pests appear, prompt treatment with appropriate fungicides or insecticides is recommended.
Care Instructions
Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention to thrive:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season and prolonged dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Deadheading: Remove faded flower spikes to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Pruning: Shear back the foliage by half after flowering to keep the plant tidy and promote healthy growth. If not cut back in summer, prune down to basal growth in late autumn.
- Dividing: Divide the clumps every 3 years in spring or fall to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize annually in late winter or early spring with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
- Pinching: Pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth and a fuller form.
Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' is a delightful addition to any garden, offering a long-lasting display of vibrant color with minimal maintenance. Its attractive rosy orchid-purple flower spikes, combined with its low-maintenance nature, drought tolerance, and deer resistance, make it a favorite among gardeners. This late-season bloomer extends the beauty of the garden into the fall, providing color when many other perennials have faded. Its versatility allows it to shine in borders, cottage gardens, containers, and even as a cut flower. For those seeking a reliable and captivating perennial, Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' is an excellent choice.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
