Veronica

A run of Veronicas through a border brings an immediate sense of order without making the planting feel formal. Commonly known as speedwell, these hardy perennials produce slender flower spikes in shades of blue, violet, pink and white, rising neatly above fresh green foliage from early to late summer depending on the variety. Their upright habit is ideal for adding rhythm between broader-leaved perennials, while lower-growing forms work beautifully towards the front of borders, along paths and in more compact planting schemes.

Veronica perennials are generally easy to grow in fertile, well-drained soil and perform best in sun or light shade. Regular deadheading can help prolong flowering, and the blooms are attractive to bees and other pollinators over a long period. Taller Veronica varieties make useful cut flowers too, while compact speedwells are well suited to smaller gardens and containers. Their clean, vertical flower form combines particularly well with grasses, Echinacea, Rudbeckia and softer mound-forming plants, giving mixed borders a balanced, layered look.

From neat edging plants to taller speedwell varieties with stronger vertical presence, Veronica for UK gardens is a dependable choice for summer borders that need structure as well as flowers. Plant them in repeated groups for a stronger rhythm or weave several varieties through perennial planting to create a succession of bloom and an easy sense of continuity across the season.