Product Description
Veronica 'Purple Illusion' PP31301 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
MAGIC SHOW® Collection
Common Name: Spike Speedwell
'Purple Illusion' matches the habit and flower size of 'Wizard of Ahhs', but with thick, purple flowers. Dark green leaves form a thick foliar canopy, so the plant has substance even after it has finished blooming. 'Purple Illusion' requires vernalization to bloom.
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.
Spread: 16.0-18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer to Midsummer
Long Blooming
Attracts Butterflies and Bee
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Veronica 'Purple Illusion' is a captivating perennial that brings a touch of magic to any garden with its vibrant purple blooms and attractive foliage. This compact and mounding plant is a standout with its thick, upright spikes of rosy-purple flowers that appear in early summer and continue to bloom throughout the season, creating a stunning display of color. The deep green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant blooms, adding to its overall appeal.
'Purple Illusion' is a breeze to grow, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, making it adaptable to a variety of conditions. This hardy plant is also deer-resistant, so you do not have to worry about them munching on your precious blooms.
This versatile perennial can be used in a multitude of ways. Its compact size and mounding habit make it an excellent choice for borders, adding a touch of brightness and interest to the edges of beds and pathways. It also looks fantastic in mass plantings, creating a lush carpet of color. Additionally, it's a great option for container gardens, adding a vertical element and a pop of color to patios and balconies. And if you are looking to attract pollinators to your garden, 'Purple Illusion' is a magnet for bees and butterflies.
Here are some key points to remember when growing Veronica 'Purple Illusion':
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering).
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay or poorly draining soils with sand or gravel.
- Watering: Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Maintenance: Minimal maintenance is required. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance, visually appealing plant to add some pizzazz to your garden, Veronica 'Purple Illusion' is an excellent choice. Its vibrant foliage, cheerful flowers, and easy-going nature make it a winner for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, 'Purple Illusion' is sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of magic to your garden.
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!
