Veronica spiky herbaceous plants for open ground. Veronica spiky, planting and care

Charming and delicate flowers of Veronica are able to decorate any flower bed or flowerbed, ennoble the orchard. The many shades of its petals range from sky blue to deep blue. Veronica is a plant that does not require much effort and time to grow. Almost all garden forms are natural species, very resistant to cold and with good survival rates. So why not try them on your site?

Rod Veronica: description

This genus is the most numerous (about 500 species) among the Plantain family. Among them are annual and perennial herbaceous plants, less often shrubs, which are common in all parts of the world, but mainly in the temperate and cold regions of Eurasia. Representatives of the genus are widely distributed in our country.

Any veronica is a plant (photo attached) with characteristic generic features. The first of these are small flowers with two stamens, which are collected in paniculate, spike-shaped or umbellate inflorescences (sessile or on a long peduncle). The second is thick rhizomes, shortened or branched, or many thin roots. Among the numerous representatives there are excellent honey plants, medicinal plants, as well as decorative ones. It is the latter that we will pay more attention to.

It should be noted that Veronica is a plant, although it does not have outstanding external characteristics, but it is beautiful in its simplicity. Small flowers can rise above the flower bed collected in a slender spike or almost spread with a soft “pillow”, braiding everything around. We invite you to learn about the main types of veronica introduced into the culture.

Veronica Armenian

A low plant (7-10 cm) of bright green color, forming a dense and dense turf. Stems ascending or procumbent, woody at the base. Leaves 08-1.2 cm long, pinnately dissected at the base into thin and twisting lobes, are also decorative. The corolla of the flower is pale blue or with lilac shade with rich aroma. Bred pink variety. Armenian veronica is a very drought-resistant, unpretentious plant, which is why it is popular with flower growers when decorating lawns, alpine hills, and terraces. Flowering begins in mid-summer. The species is very sensitive to soil. Only stony substrates with an alkaline environment are acceptable and do not large quantity river sand or fertilized clay.

Veronica Austrian

Perennial plant with tall erect stems from 30 to 70 cm, small leaves and star-shaped bright blue flowers collected in a brush. Flowering is long, begins from May-June. Drought-resistant, decorative, widely used for decoration of rock gardens, rockeries, in group and single landings. The natural habitat is steppes and forest-steppes, mountain meadows and rocky hills. The soil prefers well-drained, sandy.

Veronica big

A species widely distributed in natural environment: the entire European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, the Mediterranean, Central Asia. It grows in sparse forest plantations, meadows and fields. This Veronica is a plant (photo above) with an impressive garden history. It has been introduced into culture since 1596. The species is characterized by the formation of dense bushes, from which flower stalks emerge on a long stem (up to 30 cm) with stars of flowers of a blue hue of varying degrees of saturation. Very unpretentious plant, characterized by high winter hardiness (does not require shelter) and drought resistance. It grows well on any garden soil, prefers sunny places and moisture-loving. Use it in group and single plantings, it is suitable for cutting into bouquets. Various varieties have been bred, differing in the size of the bush, color, and leaf color. In particular, True Blue is a tall veronica (blue). The plant (photo attached) has inflorescences up to 10 cm long, the flowering period is a month, from the end of May. An unusual variety Miffy Blue grows into a spectacular bush with variegated decorative leaves and large pale blue inflorescences.

Veronica gentian

In its natural environment, it grows in the southern and middle regions of the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus and in the Crimea, in Asia Minor. This is a herbaceous plant that forms beautiful cushion-shaped bushes up to 45 cm high. The leaves are collected in a rosette, dark green, leathery. Inflorescence on a high shoot (30-70 cm), loose, many-flowered. The color of the corolla is pale blue, often towards white with clear blue streaks. The flowers are large, reaching a diameter of 1 cm. Flowering begins in June and lasts for a month, but the bush retains its decorative effect until frost. Gentian speedwell is a plant introduced into the culture of horticulture since 1784, during which time many varieties have been bred. Among them are Variegata with leaves bordered with a white stripe, Tissington White with almost white flowers, etc. Veronica is absolutely unpretentious, moisture-loving, but drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, but prefers well-lit places, shelter for the winter is not required.

Veronica spikelet

One of the most decorative species with a large number of bred varieties. Plant up to 40 cm tall with few single stems. Especially beautiful are the apical racemose dense inflorescences of saturated blue, blue, purple hues, rarely white. The species has been introduced into culture since 1570. Flowering is long from mid-summer, gives a lot of seeds, propagates well by self-sowing. Suitable for growing any garden soil. Spikelet veronica is a winter-hardy, drought-resistant, light- and moisture-loving plant. Looks especially good in single plantings. Example varieties: Romiley Purple (intense purple), Barcarolle (pink), Heidekind (raspberry pink), Rotfishs (cream), White Icicle (white, pictured).

Veronica small

Highly ornamental species, demanding on growing conditions. It is subendemic and grows in nature only on volcanic soils. Forms dense cushions with dark green leaves, completely strewn with small blue flowers of a pure shade and with a delicate aroma. In garden conditions, reproduction is possible only by dividing the rhizome. Veronica small requires nutritious soil, but in the complete absence of organic matter, constant moderate moisture and good lighting (sunny places) are needed.

Veronica officinalis plant

This species has several advantages at once - decorative and useful. The plant is perennial, with creeping stems that root at the nodes. It grows quickly - up to 20 cm per season, so it can be used as a ground cover species. The flowers are collected in small brushes, pale lilac. Flowering is long from June to September. Mainly used as an ornamental leafy plant. Resistant to trampling, drought, frost, shade-tolerant, competitive. A high degree of overgrowth should be considered when choosing a planting site. AT folk medicine Veronica officinalis is used mainly as an expectorant for bronchial asthma, bronchitis in the form of infusions, decoctions, tea.

Growing features

Veronica is a plant (description - above), or rather a whole genus with numerous representatives, with an unpretentious character. The only exceptions are some varieties. Care is absolutely simple. The plant is undemanding to soils, light factor, neighborhood with other species. If you decide to grow it in your flower beds, then you should pay attention to a few key points.

• When preparing the substrate for planting, pay attention to the variety you are planting and supplement it accordingly. necessary components, for example, for hair and gravel - crushed stone.
• A high degree of drought tolerance does not mean that you do not need to water. On the contrary, most species prefer moderate moisture.
• Cut off faded inflorescences, so you keep the decorative look of the bush longer and, possibly, achieve re-blooming.

Perhaps, many have met this flower in a meadow or forest clearing. Veronica plant is quite cute, has inflorescences of bluish or shades of blue . Due to the fact that certain species are often found in nature, they cannot be found in garden plots.

Characteristics and description of the plant Veronica

It is considered a fairly well-known plant, varieties of which can be seen in different parts of the world. This is explained by unpretentiousness, its resistance to a dry period, which makes it possible to survive in many climatic zones.

perennial plant Veronica

The flower does not impose special requirements on the soil composition, it feels equally comfortable on sand, clay and even marsh soil. At first, the plant was considered an ornament of mountains and forests, a little later it began to be used as decorative flowers.

As soon as Veronica became a cultivated plant, it was taken as the basis for breeding new varieties used in horticulture. The flower has been known to humanity for a long time, as it is considered a plant with medicinal properties.

Most beautiful view flower - Veronica Bolshaya. This is a perennial that forms thick shoots, the height of which reaches fifty, and sometimes seventy centimeters. Leaves are placed oppositely on them, resembling testicles with their jagged shapes.

Veronica Big

A sparsely planted plant with its shoots forms darkish bushes resembling domes. With the end of spring and until the middle of the summer season, the top of such a bush turns bright blue.. It's unraveling a large number of flowers, the diameter of which does not exceed one and a half centimeters. Due to the beautiful appearance of the inflorescences, it is often called Royal Veronica.

The most famous varieties

From the huge number of popular types of flower, the following plants can be distinguished:

Medicinal

Veronica officinalis

It grows in wooded areas. Distinctive features are undersized stems, creeping carpet. They have pale green leaves and purple inflorescences.

branched

Veronica Branchy

The main habitat is mountainous terrain. It looks like low thickets covered with inflorescences of blue and pink shades.. This variety is demanding for care. It is difficult to tolerate drought, in winter it can freeze.

dubravnaya

Veronika Dubravnaya

It is found on the territory of Siberia, the mountains of the Caucasus, in European countries. Perennial plant of low growth, forms jagged leaves that remain green in the winter season. Veronica oakwood blooms in blue, blue and even pink shades.

small

Veronica Small

The look is very unique. His features- short stature, small leaves, inflorescences of lilac and blue shades. This variety is quite whimsical, only experienced gardeners are engaged in its cultivation;

woody

Veronica Woody

Perennial of low growth. Forms creeping stems covered with numerous foliage. In winter, without snow cover, it can freeze slightly.

Landing and care

Although the flower is unpretentious, it needs moderate watering. Too much moisture can cause it to die. Flower care is not difficult, any soil is suitable for planting.

Feels most comfortable at temperatures from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius.

A considerable number of varieties are known that can grow well in the dry season. Most plants need water in the spring, before flowering begins.. By the time the first inflorescences open, watering must be stopped.

Pruning is carried out after the flower has faded. This measure will be an excellent stimulant for the formation of young foliage.

Veronica reproduces in several ways:

• division of rhizomes;
• cuttings;
• seeds.

Growing such a flower, gardeners prefer the appropriate option.

Veronica is usually propagated in three known ways: seeds, dividing the bush and cuttings.

Sowing is carried out in autumn. But it is possible to sow in the spring, if the seed fund is previously stratified.

Cuttings are recommended to be carried out in the summer. By this time, young stems are preparing. They are then placed in soil or water to allow roots to form. After that, the seedlings are allowed to be transferred to open ground.

The division of the rhizome is the most popular way of breeding veronica. The fact is that it does not imply costs, and the survival rate is high. This type of breeding is recommended in spring or autumn.

To begin with, the stems are removed, the bush is dug up. The roots are cut with a knife or spatula.

Divide the bush into equal parts so that there are at least three shoots on the first root. After completing the procedure, it is necessary to immediately land in the ground.

Useful qualities

The medicinal properties of the plant have been known since ancient times. Veronica has long been used as a remedy for various diseases.

Of particular value are the tops of the stems with leaves and inflorescences.. Harvesting is carried out with the onset of summer, when the peak of flowering is observed. Drying time must be reduced to a minimum, for which a temperature regime of forty degrees is created. This allows you to reduce losses, preserve the shade of colors. If everything is done correctly, then Veronica will save healing properties during two years.

Besides, used as an ornamental plant to beautify the garden.

Veronica is grown today in any type of soil composition. But the plant feels best on loamy soil. He needs a sufficient amount of light, although shady areas are suitable for breeding.

A plant resistant to harsh winters, veronica is grown both for ornamental purposes and for the preparation of medicinal decoctions. In total, more than 500 species are known for garden planting. In nature, there is no such diversity, but there are also quite a few wild species. There are perennials, annuals and shrub species, each of which is diluted with varietal diversity.

Despite its belonging to the plantain family, the appearance is very different from the main representative - plantain. Veronica is common in temperate zones, found in the foothills of Altai, in the forests of Siberia and the Urals. Its spikelets adorn meadows around the world, and gardeners love it for its unpretentious care and ability to get along with other plants.

Features of Veronica's agricultural technology: cultivation and care

Veronica is loved by gardeners for its unpretentiousness, lack of special techniques, variety of species and varieties. If a veronica is chosen as a resident of a flower bed, then you should remember the basic rules for any perennial plant.

Important requirements that cannot be bypassed:

• The sunny side of the site, where the light will be present from morning to evening. Shady and semi-shady zones will not give those decorative properties that are declared by the breeders.
• Pay attention to watering: each species requires a certain amount of water. When breeding Veronica, you need to get acquainted not only with the decorative value, but also with the conditions of care. Herbaceous creeping species do not tolerate drought, they die without water, flowering stops. Upright tall species can easily endure drought and heat.
• Liquid organic fertilizers act as a top dressing during the period of budding and flowering. In nature and wild breeding, it does well without additional feeding. Soil nutrients are sufficient for growth and flowering. Flowerbeds with depleted soil can be fed with organic matter: humus, manure, infusion of nettle and burdock.
• Tall bushes need a garter. A thin stem cannot withstand the pressure of the wind, which can not only tilt down, depriving it of an aesthetic appearance, but also break it. Suitable rods, picket fence, willow branches.
• In autumn, after flowering is over, the ground part is cut off, the roots are additionally covered with humus, peat, dry foliage, spruce branches, creating a pillow that will protect against abnormally low temperatures.

Veronica breeding methods

For breeding Veronica, 3 methods are used:

germinated seed of veronica photo

• seminal;
• division of the bush;
• cuttings.

Despite the troublesomeness of the seed method, it is used when they want to get a healthy independent bush with pure varietal characteristics. This is also an opportunity to improve planting material and increase its quantity quite cheaply.

Seeds are sown directly into the ground in autumn or spring, Veronica is grown on the windowsill in seedlings.

Densely sprouted seedlings are thinned out, creating gaps between the bushes from 20 to 50 cm, depending on the type. Tall plants need more space to grow.

How to grow seedlings of Veronica at home

Veronica plant growing from seeds for seedlings photo

In February, Veronica seeds are moistened and kept in the refrigerator in a wet cloth wrapped in a bag for about a month.

• We take out the seeds that have been stratified in the refrigerator to plant in March.
• We fill containers or cups with nutrient soil.
• Veronica seeds, albeit small, but allow you to sow them one at a time, so do not be lazy and place one seed in a cup or 5 cm apart in a container.
• Sprinkle with a thin layer of earth, moisten.
• Cover with foil until sprouts appear.
• When shoots appear, we remove the shelter, place the seedlings on a bright windowsill.
• Watering is carried out as the soil dries up, there must be holes in the container for excess water to drain.
• When the seedlings have 8-10 true leaves, they can be planted in the ground.

Veronica's seedlings are ready for planting photo

Before planting, seedlings are hardened, accustoming them to air and sun. This should be done one to two weeks before the planned landing, gradually increasing the time spent on the street to a full day.

Autumn planting seeds in open ground subjects the seeds to stratification (cold test).

spring sowing requires artificially created conditions of exposure to cold for 1-2 months. After that, the seeds are immersed in the ground, no deeper than 2 cm, so that germination is not difficult.

The division of the bush considered fast and convenient way breeding. Peduncles will be in the first year of planting. Choose the largest bush, separate several sprouts with a shovel or garden knife. After moving to a new place, the bushes are covered for successful adaptation. After ten days, the covering material is removed, giving the bushes independent growth. Usually the procedure is carried out before flowering, in spring, or after - in early autumn.

Propagation of Veronica by cuttings photo

Reproduction by cuttings passes by cutting a 10 cm long shoot from a healthy bush. They are allowed to germinate in water, after which they are planted on permanent place.

How to propagate Veronica cuttings photo

You can hold the cuttings for several hours in a root solution and place in nutrient soil for germination. But in this case, it is imperative to create greenhouse conditions by closing the cuttings. plastic bag before rooting.

We propagate Veronica cuttings photo

The procedure is performed in August, then the sprout will have time to take root and gain a foothold in the ground before winter. The following year, the bush will please with excellent flowering.

The beauty of Veronica, its species diversity will appeal to any gardener.

Pest protection

Veronica landing and care photo Veronica surculosa

Due to its natural hardiness, Veronica is rarely affected by infections. Waterlogged soil, a shady area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe garden can provoke the appearance of downy mildew (gray bloom on the leaves). For processing, a fungicidal solution is prepared from the preparations Fitosporin, Alirin-B, Gamair.

From the ring spot virus, the elimination of the diseased plant, the treatment of the flower bed with nematocides will help. The carriers of the virus are nematodes that live in the soil. Yellow, twisted foliage is a sign of soil damage by nematodes, and plants are ring spot.

Among insect pests, caterpillars that eat leaves and young shoots are most often found. Warming up the soil, timely weeding, and a break in watering will save them from them. Less common are scoops, moths, long-whiskered moths, from which treatment with insecticidal preparations will help.

Description of the plant Veronica veronica, origin

Veronica spiky red fox photo

Veronica is difficult to confuse with other plants due to the combination of signs of nettle, plantain and bluebells. If you look at the flowerbed with Veronica from afar, it does not differ in brightness, but resembles a solid carpet. Therefore, when creating a garden decor, not one plant is used, but several at once, diluting the green mass with bright spots.
root system . Each type of veronica has its own differences in the type of rhizomes:

• filiform with a superficial location;
• thick with shallow germination;
• thin mesh, occupying a large underground area.

perennial bushes have a solid root that withstands winter low temperatures.

annual species differ in more delicate roots: filiform and superficial.

stems. Veronica has a long, dense, cylindrical stem. Some species have an upright ground part, others have a creeping part. Depending on the location of the stems, the plant represents its decorative value. A strong weave of fibers allows you to withstand weight loads while walking a person or animals. It will not work to break off or tear off part of the bush, only using a tool.

Leaves. Outwardly, the leaf plate resembles nettle: oval with a carved edge, have small hairs. Unlike nettle leaves no burns, behaves friendly. The color scheme of the green mass is mostly bright green, although there are specimens gray color. The leaves are arranged alternately or oppositely on the stem, rarely in whorls.

Flowers. The natural color is deep blue, in garden culture you can find white, blue, lilac, purple shades. The inflorescence is a spikelet with a dense arrangement of small flowers on it, bell-shaped with a carved edge. They bloom alternately from the bottom up, so the flowering is long. The lower ones form boxes with seeds, while the upper ones continue their flowering.

For its creeping appearance, the people call grass snake or Veronica grass. AT fiction you can find the name "goat's face" or "blue". Some species are similar to forget-me-nots, so this name was also assigned to Veronica.

All garden varieties produced from a wild species. The combination of decorative properties and natural hardiness made the species the most numerous in the plantain family.

Types and varieties of Veronica with descriptions and photos

Distribution throughout the globe allowed to adapt to any natural and climatic conditions. Some species were named after the place of growth, and varietal names are more like a description external signs. The remoteness of the places of cultivation of veronica gives an explanation for such significant species differences. There are low and tall plants, with a long erect stem or short ones up to 30 cm, shrubs with a strong stem or herbaceous filamentous stems.

Veronica Armenian Veronica armena

Veronica Armenian Veronica armena photo

With its blue flowers, it is more reminiscent of forget-me-nots, the same open five-leaf inflorescences. Mountain slopes and a sharp change in temperature have left their mark on appearance veronica. The plant is undersized, creeping, green mass fills the entire space of the flower bed. Needle-shaped leaves create the image of a fluffy carpet, where blue flowers glow from above in a bright pattern.

Armenian veronica grows up to 10 cm. This size allows you to withstand the wind, a small area sheet plate does not allow moisture to evaporate quickly, protects from fading in the sun. big varietal diversity allows you to pick up color scheme.

Caucasian Veronica Veronica caucasica

Veronica Caucasian Veronica caucasica photo

The leaves and stem are rich green in color, the lower part of the plant is darker than the upper. The leaves are small, elongated with serrations along the edge. They are located in the sinuses in several pieces, evenly dispersed along the stem. The flowers are pastel in color, mostly lilac or lilac with subtle purple streaks. Rocky soil is well suited for growing, so the flower can be used in the design of alpine slides.

Veronica caucasian in landscape design a photo

Low dimensions are resistant to windy weather. Creeping strong stem quickly recovers after crushing, resistant to trampling. Doesn't tolerate chernozem soil, this is taken into account when preparing the flower bed.

Veronica large or broad-leaved Veronica teucrium

Veronica big wide variety Royal blu blue Veronica teucrium Royal Blue

A plant up to 70 cm high with an erect stem, covered with small hairs. In the wild, it is found in the fields of Siberia, the Middle Urals, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean. Likes fertile soils, resistant to weather instability.

The root system is strong, creeping, withstands low winter temperatures. The leaves are bilateral in appearance: smooth above, covered with hairs below, as on the stem. Flowers are collected in a panicle, located on top of the stem. The color scheme is presented in blue, pink, purple shades.
The most famous varieties:

• "True Blue" up to 60 cm high with a flowering period of 30 days;
• "Shirley Blue" under favorable conditions reaches 50 cm, blooms in May until mid-June, then used as a green background for annuals.

Gentian Veronica Veronica gentianoides

Veronica gentian white variety Veronica gentianoides ‘Tissington White’ photo

A low growing plant with a long flowering period. It begins to bloom in early summer, and finishes flowering by the end of summer, under favorable conditions continues to bloom until mid-September. Flowers white, lined with blue stripes. From a distance, it acquires a bluish tint; on close examination, distinct blue streaks are visible. The main leaf mass is located at the base of the bush, adjacent small leaves are arranged in pairs along the stem. The color is silvery-green, along the edge of the leaf is framed by a light border.

The flower does not tolerate waterlogged soil, more often it is planted in a flower bed in a single version, without a companion. Looks advantageous on a sandy or pebble base.

Veronica woody Veronica surculosa

Veronica woody variety Veronica surculosa ‘Waterperry Blue’ photo

A plant with a strong creeping stem that becomes stiff after winter. It likes well-drained soils, is not afraid of low temperatures, but in harsh climates it is better to shelter from freezing.

Perennial, whose flowers bloom in early July and delight with their beauty until mid-September. The color of the petals is from rich pink to purple, there are varieties with bright and pastel colors.

Crimean Veronica Veronica taurica

Crimean Veronica Veronica taurica photo

Its bright blue flowers on a dark green background are visible from afar. Therefore, it is planted in a rocky background. Many gardeners prefer to plant the Crimean veronica along the edge of the flower bed, decorate borders and paths. Prefers a mild climate without temperature fluctuations, therefore, in regions with a changeable climate, it is better to grow as an annual.

Veronica filiform Veronica filiformis

Veronica as filiform Veronica filiformis photo

Refers to the spring primrose, which blooms at the end of April and blooms before the onset of heat, until about mid-May. It is best to grow with a companion when the foliage acts as a backdrop for the vibrant hues of the annuals. Pairs well with asters annual dahlias, gerberas, better undersized varieties.

During the flowering period, the soft green carpet is covered with light blue flowers, some of which may bloom until the end of spring. It is advisable to remove faded buds to maintain a neat appearance.

Veronica gray-haired Veronica incana

Veronica gray-haired or gray-haired Veronica incana photo

The most unusual among Veronica. Its silvery leaves and stem will dilute the color scheme of the garden, add dynamics. Intense blue flowers are collected in a tall panicle at the top. Blooms from July to late summer.

Veronica pedunculate Veronica peduncularis

Veronica peduncular variety Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ photo

Herbaceous perennial plant blooms with blue four-petal flowers, the middle of which is yellow. From a distance they resemble forget-me-nots or violets. The bush is tall, up to 70 cm, blooming profusely.

Veronica longifolia Veronica longifolia

Veronica longifolia Veronica longifolia photo

The species is characterized by tall bushes, up to 1.5 m, with a thin long stem, branching from above into several flowering panicles. The inflorescences themselves are tall, flowering begins from the bottom, reaching the top by September. Shades range from lilac to bluish and blue. More suitable for growing with wildflowers, large plantations, wild lawn decoration.

Veronica officinalis Veronica officinalis

Veronica officinalis Veronica officinalis photo

A common perennial in the regions of central Russia and East Asia. It is noticeable due to its soft lilac or blue flowers and soft green leaves collected in bunches.

Veronica officinalis and long-leaved have not only decorative value, but also medicinal properties. They are used as anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, choleretic agent. Decoctions and drinks are prepared one-component and as part of fees.

Veronica ordinary enhances blood circulation, restores cognitive functions: improves memory, concentrates attention.

Veronica hybrid - a luxurious garden decoration

Veronica hybrid Atomic Mix Veronica photo

Veronica is a wonderful ornamental plant that can be grown in open ground as for the purpose of decoration garden plot as well as medicinal purposes. Although Veronica belongs to the plantain family, it bears little resemblance to plantain: a delicate, neat plant can become a worthy decorative element in any flower bed. Further, about the features of growing Veronica in the open field: planting, care, the best varieties (photos and instructions are attached).

Veronica flower: plant description, characteristics of the main varieties

Veronica is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial. The plant is represented by a wide variety of varieties and varieties, each of which differs in height, external characteristics, including the color and shape of leaves, flowers, and even rhizomes (the roots are both thin and long, and quite powerful and at the same time short, even filiform).

Among the people, the plant is known by other names, including “forget-me-not”, “snake grass”, etc. The stems of the plant are straight, or in some cases creeping in height from a few centimeters to 1.5 m. The shape of the leaves is diverse, the color in most cases is green, sometimes - an unusual light gray.

The openwork flowers of the plant are presented in a rich range of shades: in blue (natural color), white, pink, etc. They are collected in small spicate or paniculate inflorescences. The duration of the flowering period of Veronica depends on the characteristics of a particular variety.

Advice. If you want to achieve the longest flowering period of Veronica in your garden, you need to optimally combine the cultivation of several varieties of Veronica that differ in flowering time.

The species diversity of the plant makes it possible to choose the best option for both home and outdoor cultivation. The following varieties can be distinguished in particular:

• Medicinal. Perennial ground-blooded plant with small pale green leaves and neat decorative flowers of lilac, pink and blue hues.

medicinal veronica

• Long-leaved. A powerful tall plant (one of the tallest in the Veronica genus). The inflorescences of the plant are quite long, with a spectacular light purple color. It has a long flowering period: throughout the summer until the beginning of autumn. It is incredibly popular among gardeners not only due to its decorative, but also medicinal properties, in particular, the variety is an excellent antiseptic.

long leaf veronica

• Caucasian. The leaves of the plant are dissected, painted in a bright green color. The flowers are distinguished by an unusual lilac color and thin purple stripes.

caucasian veronica

• Gentian. A low-growing plant with thin stems, which bear delicate white flowers, the petals of which are covered with small blue stripes.

Gentian Veronica

• Woody. It is a small creeping plant with greenish-gray leaves and pink flowers.

woody veronica

• Crimean. Dwarf variety (only 20 cm high) with small light green leaves and blue flowers.

Crimean veronica

• Gray-haired. Unusual undersized variety with bluish leaves and bright blue inflorescences.

gray-haired veronica

Plant propagation

The process of propagation of Veronica is carried out in 3 ways: by seeds, cuttings, or by dividing the bush. The seed method is considered quite troublesome, but this is the best option for those who want to get a healthy bush with full-fledged varieties. Seeds can either be sown directly into the ground in the fall, or planted in the spring prepared seedlings.

If you plan to sow seedlings, start preparing planting material follows ahead of time. At the end of winter, the seeds must be wrapped in damp gauze and placed in the refrigerator for 25-30 days.

Add nutrient soil to the container, and then place the seeds not very deep in the ground. It is advisable to place them one by one in a separate pot or at a distance of about 5-7 cm from each other in a large container. Seeds should be sprinkled with a thin layer of soil and moisten it.

Be sure to cover all containers with transparent film and place them in heat. When the sprouts sprout enough (height is about 8 cm), you can land in open ground. Do not forget to harden the seedlings some time before, periodically exposing them to fresh air.

Mature plants are easily propagated by dividing the bush

Dividing the bush is an easy way to achieve flower stalks in the first year after planting. It is important to choose the right sprouts. The bush should be the most tall and absolutely healthy. Separate a few sprouts and plant them in the ground. Be sure to cover them special material. After 10-12 days, remove it and continue growing the plant as usual.

Propagation by cuttings will allow you to successfully grow Veronica from a small shoot about 10 cm long. For a while, you should place it in water so that the cutting germinates, after which you can land in open ground.

Planting a plant in open ground

The plant is considered quite unpretentious to growing conditions, therefore, when choosing a suitable site for growing veronica in open ground, it is not necessary to make a strict selection: the plant will suit heavy clay soil, loose sandstone, and swampy soil.

Advice. Although Veronica is a picky plant, it is very sensitive to the amount of sunlight, so the place for planting the crop must be chosen exclusively sunny (in extreme cases, partial shade will do, but it will be much more difficult to achieve dense beautiful flowering).

Planting a young plant or seeds must be carried out in moist and well-loosened soil previously enriched with nutrient organic matter.

The subtleties of plant care

The veronica plant is quite easy to grow: even a beginner can grow a healthy strong flower in the open field. Further about what measures for the care of garden plants Veronica needs.

Veronica is rarely affected by pests

Watering and fertilizing regimen

First of all, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the soil in the area where the plant is grown: in no case should it dry out (dry soil is practically death for Veronica). During the period of drought, the plant should be watered very generously: do not allow the soil to dry out. When the first branches appear on the plant, watering should be stopped, and after the flowering of the latter, the tops of the veronica should be pruned.

Advice. To slow down the process of soil moisture loss and control the growth of weeds, you can periodically acidify the soil: the plant will only be happy about this (veronica loves acidic or slightly acidic soil).

As for fertilizers, Veronica certainly needs them, but top dressing should not be too frequent: it is enough to apply fertilizer under each bush of the plant with the onset of the growing season, and continue top dressing only at the end of spring. If you live in a region where winters are quite severe, it is advisable to also apply potash fertilizers in the middle of the summer period: this will help the plants withstand the cold.

Diseases and pests

Despite the fact that various insects always curl around the plant, attracted by its fragrant pollen (bees, butterflies, etc.), veronica is resistant to this kind of “encroachment”.

The plant is slightly susceptible to various diseases and pests. An exception can be considered only some fungal diseases like powdery mildew and gray rot. You can get rid of these diseases with the help of either chemicals, such as Oxyhom or blue vitriol, or biological analogues that will be completely safe for animals and humans.

Sometimes aphids can visit Veronica growing in the garden. If there is not too much of it, you don’t have to worry: the plant is able to cope with the pest insect on its own.

Veronica in landscape design

The combination of Veronica with other plants

Veronica is often used as an excellent group plant that can be used as one of the main decorative elements in alpine slides, flower beds and mixborders. The main purpose of using veronica in landscape design is to give the garden plot ease and lightness. Veronica is suitable for growing near borders, where not every plant can survive.

An excellent combination of plants in the garden will be with buzulnik, bergenia, etc. By the way, even such a simple combination as veronica and chamomile will create harmony in any part of the garden.

Advice. If you're willing to take a risk for a spectacular garden view, try contrasting combinations like veronica and rose. As a result, you will get a winning composition in which each of the elements will be beautifully emphasized by the others.

That's all the subtleties that must be considered when growing veronica in the open field. Good luck!

Landing Veronica: video

Veronica is unlike most famous ornamental plants. Experienced flower growers it is known for its medicinal properties, and therefore the use of this plant allows you to refuse medical assistance and pharmaceutical preparations. However, veronica is of greatest interest to lovers of gardening and floriculture, because it is often used by them for decorative purposes.

To date, there are a large number of different varieties and types of veronica, which opens up opportunities for its use in landscape design. The gardener only needs pick up suitable grade and correctly place it in the flower bed to enjoy the flowering of veronica every season.

General information about the plant

Veronica is a very common plant, varieties of which are represented in different countries of the world. This can be explained by its unpretentiousness and drought tolerance, which is why it manages to survive in any climatic conditions. The plant is undemanding to the soil, so it feels comfortable as on sandy and clayey, and on loose and swampy soil. At first, it adorned forests, fields and mountains, but after a while it began to be used for decorative purposes for growing in flower beds.

When Veronica turned into cultivated plant, it served as the basis for the development of new varieties adapted for ornamental gardening.

However, a person met Veronica creeping a very long time ago, and at that time she was of value to him because of her medicinal properties. There are several hypotheses about the origin of the name Veronica. Perhaps this is due to the Greek word, which translates as "little oak", or Latin, which means "real medicine" or "genuine plant." There is also such a version that it received its name in honor of Saint Veronica.

The genus of this plant is quite numerous and includes more than 300 species. But at the same time, he has very few representatives that can be used for growing in the garden.

However, the varieties bred for such purposes are very unpretentious in care and cultivation. After all, Veronica not only successfully endures any weather whims, but also blooms for quite a long time and can grow in various forms. At the same time, among them there are varieties that are most often used for decorative purposes:

Veronica officinalis

Veronica Steller

• under natural conditions, this variety is most common in China and Japan;
• being a short plant, it can grow up to 25 cm, the top is decorated with inflorescences;
• during the growing season forms straight standing stems with pubescence. The characteristic shape of the leaves is ovoid with a serrated edge, reaching 3 cm in length;
• has shortened inflorescences resembling spikelets. In the first weeks of flowering, the spike is thick, but subsequently becomes looser;
• during the flowering of this variety, flowers are formed that have a blue or purple hue;
• flowering begins in July and continues until autumn;

Veronica creeping

Growing Veronica

Even with all the unpretentiousness of this plant, caring for Veronica in winter should include moderate watering, because otherwise, when waterlogged, there is a danger of its death. Caring for this flower is not so difficult, since any soil can be used. Veronica feels most comfortable at a temperature of 14-20 degrees.

There are many varieties that can grow well in dry periods of summer. The highest demand for moisture is in the spring, before the flowering period. At the moment when the first flowers begin to open, watering is reduced. When the last perennial Veronica flower wilts, the aerial part of the plant is pruned. This measure will stimulate the formation of new young leaves. Therefore, this procedure allows you to ensure the aesthetics of the plant throughout the spring-summer period and in the fall.

Reproduction methods

To obtain new Veronica plants, you can use the following breeding methods:

• division of the rhizome;
• cuttings;
• sowing seeds.

As a rule, when growing Veronica spikelet, gardeners prefer the method that suits him best. It is best to sow seeds in a permanent place in the fall. However, you can do this in the spring, but first you will have to carry out the operation of hardening the planting material - stratification. For cuttings most auspicious moment created in the summer. Here it is necessary prepare young stem tops. Subsequently, they are placed in rooting soil or water to stimulate the process of root formation. At the moment when a well-developed root system is formed in the plants, it is possible to transplant into open ground.

However, most often new bushes of Veronica plants are obtained by dividing the rhizome. The popularity of this method is due not only to the minimum time spent, but also to the highest percentage of survival in a new place. It is recommended to do this in spring or early autumn. First, you need to remove the ground stems, after which the perennial plant is dug up. To carry out the operation of dividing the rhizome, you can use a knife or a shovel. It is important to divide plants into even parts so that the first cut root contains at least 3 shoots. Upon completion of the division, it is important to immediately transplant to a new place.

Useful properties and application of Veronica

Many centuries ago, people learned about the medicinal properties of creeping veronica. That is why it was used in ancient times. for the treatment of various diseases. The plant has not lost this quality in the modern world, where it continues to be actively used in folk medicine.

It should be remembered that the tops of plants with leaves and flowers are valuable for the treatment of diseases.

They are harvested already at the beginning of summer - at the very peak of flowering. It is very important to minimize the drying time, so this operation is carried out at high temperature - 40 degrees. This minimizes flower loss and preserves the natural color of the plant. After properly drying, the plants retain their medicinal properties for 2 years. After this period, they become useless.

Conclusion

Although, perhaps, many novice flower growers are unfamiliar with the Veronica plant, however, this is a fairly popular plant, and not only among flower lovers. The fact is that a person met her many centuries ago, when he learned about the medicinal properties. Therefore, it was originally used in medicine for the treatment of many ailments.

AT modern conditions creeping veronica found another use - to decorate various elements of landscape design. Therefore, spikelet veronica can often be found in the garden. Due to the high unpretentiousness of Veronica, it can be grown in almost any area. The easiest way to do this is by propagating it with cuttings, which guarantee a high survival rate.

Delicate veronica is a plant that boasts many attractive flowers without demanding in return special care. Compact and hardy, these colorful blooms stay on the bush for a long period.

Many gardeners note that even despite the lack of top dressing, Veronica continues to bloom from year to year. The features of the mysterious Veronica plant, planting and caring for this crop in the open field will be discussed in this article.

Planting and propagation of Veronica flowers

Veronica is usually propagated in three known ways: seeds, dividing the bush and cuttings. Each of these methods requires attention and compliance with the rules and a certain sequence. You can use any of the available methods.

Consider the most common way of breeding Veronica - how to plant this crop with seeds. Reproduction by seeds allows you to get a large number of plants.

It is desirable that the seeds be fresh, of good quality, healthy, genetically pure and, accordingly, have good germination. Before sowing, add a little water at room temperature.

We place the seeds at a distance of 2 - 5 cm from each other, sprinkle with earth. Veronica requires sowing her seeds to a depth of about 3 cm. Next, cover plastic wrap or plastic cover.

Then we carefully monitor the moisture content of the soil. The soil should never dry out. Soil moisture is checked daily. Poke a few holes in the lid to allow air to ventilate to prevent fungal growth. The time of emergence of seedlings depends on the size of the seeds and the variety of Veronica.

The division of the bush

For veronica flowers, dividing the bush involves completely digging up the plant and splitting it into two or more pieces. This practice is commonly carried out by growers to keep plants healthy and create an extra supply.

Perennial flowers, such as Veronica, tolerate such shock treatments favorably. Veronica bushes are divided every 4 years, or when the plants grow too large. Procedures are carried out in the fall.

Dividing a plant is easy: simply dig out the entire root and then carefully divide it into several sections, depending on the size of the rhizome. You can cut the roots with a garden or old kitchen knife. After that, shake off excess soil and remove all dead parts. Transplant new young plants directly into open soil or large pots.

Important! After separation, the roots may be damaged and the flowers generally weakened. Therefore, despite the endurance of Veronica, new plants need good feeding. Dig a hole larger than the root, apply soft compost and a mixture of fertilizers. Place the plant in the hole, cover with soil and compact. Remember to water intensively and regularly.

cuttings

This method is most often used if they want to get homogeneous specimens of a plant, multiply and preserve the species and varieties they like. In addition, when cuttings, young seedlings bloom earlier than when grown from seeds.

Work in progress in early spring. Several sprouts are cut off from the central stem of the plant. The cuttings must be cut with a sharp knife so as not to damage the tissue. The length of cuttings cut on average is about 5 - 10 cm.

Next, place the cuttings to a depth of 2 cm in pots with loose, moist soil ( the best option there will be a mixture of peat and sand). Cover Veronica seedlings with plastic wrap or a plastic lid and place in a warm place for 6 weeks.

Rooted cuttings are planted in pots. Pots should be in a bright, cool room. Keep out of direct sunlight. Plants need to be periodically aired and watered.

After two weeks, young seedlings form roots. It's time to take cover. Gradually accustom new plants to sunlight. With the onset of stable heat, in May or June, plants can already be transplanted into open ground to a permanent place.

Important! Keep young veronica plants in well-drained soil. Keep watering regularly until the bushes become established. Older plants are somewhat more drought tolerant. Veronica doesn't need any special feeding other than a light layer of compost in the spring.

Where is the best place to plant Veronica in the garden

Veronica is an excellent plant that is characterized high efficiency in cultivation. Most varieties of veronica are very hardy and meet the requirements of our climate zone.

Flowers love sunny places with partial shade. Therefore, for best results, plant them in a location where they will receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

Veronica is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but thrives in moist, well-drained, and acidic soil that has been enriched with generous amounts of compost or other organic matter at the time of planting.

The soil must be brought to a normal water balance. If the soil is dry, Veronica flowers tend to wither quickly. But if you resume watering, the plants can be quickly reanimated.

Did you know? If you want to extend the flowering period of Veronica, there is an easy way to do this: remove several inflorescences that grow together at once. During processing, be especially careful not to remove excessive amounts of leaves.

Partners for veronica and use in landscape design

Veronica in landscape design can be used to decorate alpine slides, rockeries, flower beds and mixborders. This culture is able to give any landscape naturalness.

The bushes look great near water bodies, they perfectly decorate even the border and other places where far from any garden plant takes root. In addition, veronica flowers look great with partners such as, and mountaineer. A composition with a simple chamomile will also look harmonious.

Did you know? Veronica can be settled in the neighborhood even with such a contrasting plant as. These cultures will perfectly complement and emphasize the color of each other. Each of them will become more visible in your garden. Thus, a very advantageous composition is created.

How to care for a plant in the garden

The flowering period of Veronica is from June to the end of October. Plants can reach a height of about one to two meters. Caring for perennials is quite easy: the requirements for caring for Veronica are minimal.

The only thing to remember is to keep the soil moist! Since the root system of veronica leaves much to be desired, the plant responds well to the addition of clay to the soil and regular watering during a long drought (at least in the first season after planting).

Or try to increase the acidity of the soil to prevent rapid loss of moisture from the soil and control the growth of weeds. To feed the bushes, you can use any recommended and commercially available fertilizers. Work immediately after the start of the growing season, then resume work in mid-May. Since the end of July, potash fertilizers have been applied, which increases the frost resistance of the plant in the event of a long and cold winter.

Veronica flowers must be reliably protected from the effects of cold and winds. For this purpose, an air frame made of branches is best suited. coniferous trees. Provide plants with proper air circulation, prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases.

Veronica does not require pruning, except for the removal of wilted inflorescences and stems damaged by frost or disease. Therefore, try to remove dried flowers or stems from time to time - thereby you will extend the flowering season.

In eronicas - magnificent universal plants, ranked among the best herbaceous perennials from among partners. They are equally beautiful and green, and flowering. Being both the main competitor and a good companion for sage and catnip, a true decoration of rocky gardens, veronica conquers with a combination of high decorativeness with endurance and undemanding care. This plant fits perfectly into a garden of any style and composition of any size.

Perennial veronicas - hardy generalists

Veronicas are not large, but prominent garden perennials. Among them there are both turf forms and carpet plants. But all veronicas are characterized by equally attractive greenery and flowering. About what the name Veronica means, disputes are still ongoing. Some botanists associate the Latin name with Saint Veronica, others with the medicinal properties of Veronica vulgaris and translate it as “real medicine”. But be that as it may, veronicas are unique cultures in all their talents. ▲

Veronicas are herbaceous perennials and subshrubs that form dense clumps or cushion-like rugs with numerous straight or outstretched shoots. The root system is powerful, fibrous. Simple or pinnate, rounded or lanceolate leaves are always sessile, collected in whorls or arranged in pairs and alternately on shoots, creating a dense cushion of greenery. But their size can be large, up to 10 cm, and almost needle-shaped. As a rule, very bright shades of dark green color are characteristic of veronicas. Veronica flowering is typical for partner soddy perennials. Spikelets or narrow racemes of inflorescences bloom on the tops of the main and side shoots. The flowers are small, consist of free corolla petals at the top and fused at the bottom. At different types veronica, the fold of the corolla can be both wheel-shaped and two-lipped. Despite its medium-sized size, not only a bright spot in the center of the pharynx, but also a pistil with an elongated column, and only 2 stamens stand out brightly on the flower. After flowering ▲ two-celled fruit boxes are tied, hiding very small seeds.

The flowering period of veronicas falls on a fairly long period from May to the end of summer. Most species bloom just at the beginning of summer, as if bringing islands of coolness in the first hot days.

The color range of perennial veronica is limited to cold shades of the spectrum. The plant is valued as one of the most beautiful blue and purple-colored crops, but snow-white, pink, and blue colors are also found in Veronica.

Growing and planting conditions

It is difficult to find a perennial more undemanding than garden speedwell, planting and caring for which is not difficult. The only thing that the plant makes at least some strict requirements for is the intensity of lighting. Without exception, Veronica perennials are light-loving crops. And the place for them needs to be selected only sunny and diffusely light.

But in everything that concerns the soil, garden veronica is unpretentious. This plant grows well in the usual "medium" garden soil- processed and rather loose. Veronica gentian prefers moist soil, but Veronica spikelet, Austrian and other carpet species are content with any, even the most meager stony soil. Only veronica spikelet is sensitive to the reaction of the soil, which grows only in stony calcareous soils. High soil fertility is undesirable, average indicators are sufficient, but veronica grows quite successfully on poor soil.

Planting Veronica for many years will not cause difficulties. The plant is planted in individual pits, in arrays - in grooves, setting it while maintaining the same growth depth or a little deeper and watering abundantly after filling the planting pits with soil. Immediately after planting, it is advisable to mulch the plants.

Wintering Veronica

Without exception, all perennial veronicas are crops with high frost resistance and do not need to be prepared for winter, and even more so in shelter even in the first year after planting. Only in rock gardens on a hill in windy places is a light preventive shelter useful in case of snowless winters.

Reproduction of Veronica

Veronica perennial is an easy-to-breed culture, the planting material of which is quite easy to obtain. You can propagate this perennial:
- dividing bushes in early spring, at the stage of unfolding leaves or in August (bushes can be cut into both large and small divisions with at least 3 shoots, completely cutting off the aerial part before digging and separating plants with stumps);
- by cuttings (for rooting under a cap, the tops of young shoots that grow after pruning are cut);
- seeds (sowing seeds is carried out on seedling beds in the fall, plants will bloom only in the second year).

Types and varieties of Veronica

The genus Veronica unites about three hundred plant species that are found almost all over the globe, but the favorite perennial species that are used in landscape design came to us from the Mediterranean and Europe.

A little less than two dozen perennial speedwells are grown as ornamental plants.

Widespread types:

(Veronica chamaedrys) is a very beautiful perennial plant that grows rapidly thanks to creeping roots. The stems are ascending, from 10 to 40 cm in height, the leaves are ovate, with a beautiful jagged edge and velvety pubescence, making the intense green color even brighter. Loose racemes of inflorescences consist of large, blue or blue flowers. Blooms in May-June.

Veronica spiky or spike(Veronica spicata) - a symbol of the whole genus and one of the most beautiful turf garden perennials. Dense bushes up to 40 cm high conquer with rather large, lanceolate or rounded leaves. The shoots are strong, crowned with thick brushes of inflorescences up to 10 cm long. The bright blue color contrasts perfectly with the muted velvety greens. There are varieties with purple, lilac, pink and white color. Flowering of Veronica spikelet lasts up to 45 days and starts in June. Examples of varieties: Heideking, Barcarolla, Unique Baby (a series of varieties), Iceicle.

(Veronica filiformis) is the most famous and underestimated of the ground cover speedwells. At a height of up to 5 cm, this perennial is distinguished by a delicate light green color of small rounded leaves and the thinnest long shoots that form green lace on the soil. Flowers solitary, on long pedicels, blue and thinly veined or blue-white. This veronica blooms early, as early as April, but is able to bloom until the beginning of summer. This species is often considered a weed, but when controlled, it can create stunning carpets.

(Veronica longifolia) - widely used by landscapers, usually in a group planting. In the nature of Russia is widespread. Settles in damp places, mainly in forests. The area includes many countries of Europe, Asia, the Caucasus. The stems reach one and a half meters or lower. The leaves are collected in 3-4, arranged alternately, elongated, lanceolate, up to 15 cm. The inflorescence-brush can consist of several hundred 3-4 millimeter flowers, its total length reaches a quarter of a meter. Veronica longifolia is also known as medicinal plant and is used by folk and Tibetan healers. It has many ornamental varieties, for example, Royal Pink, Evelyn, Blaurizin, Schneerizin, Antarctica, Plamoza (a series of varieties).

Also in the design of the garden use these types of perennial veronica:

Veronica branched, or bushy,(Veronica fruticans) - very beautiful ground cover, develops in the form of a pillow of low creeping shoots and leathery lanceolate leaves. The flowers sit in racemes on very long pedicels, conquer either bright blue or pink with purple streaks. Flowering begins in June.

(Veronica austriaca) - a tall and very showy species that forms dense clump bushes from 30 to 70 cm high. Upright shoots are hidden under bright, pinnate-lanceolate leaves. The flowers almost hide the shrub under them from May to July. Asymmetrical flowers with a dazzling bright blue-lilac color sit in 2-4 pieces. in the lateral brushes, together creating a kind of cloud.

(Veronica gentianoides) - one of the most powerful and spectacular species for flower beds and flower beds. At a height of up to half a meter, the bushes still resemble pillows. Leaves in dense basal rosettes are replaced by a slightly leafy crown. The inflorescences are tall, spike-shaped, loose, of blue, pale, decorated with bright dark blue veins. Flowering Veronica gentian lasts up to 3 weeks in June.

(Veronica stelleri) is a medium-sized but beautiful species up to 25 cm high, forming lacy hemispheres of curtains. The leaves are dark, densely arranged, the inflorescences are loose heads that seem to hover over a curly bush and form a haze of dark purple or white.

Veronica thyme(Veronica serpyllifolia) - also a medium-sized, surprisingly wild-looking perennial up to 25 cm high with greenery resembling thyme and delicate watercolor flowers, the veins on which can be viewed endlessly.

(Veronica surculosa) is a miniature, cushion-forming species with greyish fringes and mauve flowers, forming curly dense mats and blooming relentlessly from May to July.

(Veronica peduncularis) - a profusely flowering carpet species that forms a dense lacy turf and fully reveals its beauty only when grown on elevations, like a semi-ampel hanging from boulders or walls, with rich small leaves and bright blue-ultramarine flowers with a white eye. This species blooms in early May.

(Veronica armena) is a very dense, dense densely sod perennial with recumbent or ascending, thin, gradually woody rough shoots up to 10 cm long, forming a thick cushion. Pinnately dissected leaves with needle-shaped lobes change color from dark to bluish green. Very fragrant inflorescences-brushes bloom in the middle of the rally, consist of blue or lilac flowers, few-flowered, glow on the surface of the carpet.

Veronica Caucasian(Veronica caucasica) - a similar carpet species up to 20 cm high with pinnately dissected needle-like foliage and small tassels of inflorescences on filiform peduncles with lanceolate petals and a blue color with lilac stripes. This veronica blooms in early summer.

(Veronica prostrata) is a beautiful gray-green carpet perennial with shoots capable of rooting at the nodes, lanceolate leaves and dense racemes of purple flowers, under which greenery is often not visible.

In the design of reservoirs, two more types of veronica are used - veronica key(Veronica anagallis-aquatica), a creeping plant with lanceolate leaves and loose racemes of numerous pale blue flowers, and Veronica entrusted, or flow,(Veronica beccabunga) - a species with fleshy large leaves and charming brushes of inflorescences.

Use in garden design

Representatives of perennial species of the genus Veronica are not accidentally called one of the most versatile perennials. Veronicas, whose species differ in size, but not in their ability to grow, are valued primarily as cultures that can fill gaps and clearings, form continuous plantings in decorative compositions.

Low species, in particular, oak veronica in the garden, offer not only to admire the beauty of textures and flowering, but also to use universal perennials to create a stunningly beautiful and dense cover. Veronica can be used both in the foreground of flower beds and between solo plants as a universal filler. Veronica will find a place in flower beds, and in discounts, and in landscape groups, and in arrays or spots of the most different sizes.

Most speedwells are indispensable resistant perennials for decorating rocky gardens - from ordinary alpine slides to retaining walls and terraces, gardening of slopes, design of rockeries. Veronica's greenery perfectly emphasizes the beauty of scree, gravel, and large boulders.

These perennials are also suitable as a masker, hiding communications and unsightly places in the garden, and for decorating the edge of a lawn or flower beds. Veronicas are also used in borders, subject to mandatory pruning to control growth. It is difficult to imagine a plant that would look better at stairs and multi-level transitions.

Certain types of perennial veronica - brook or gentian - are used to decorate reservoirs near the coastline.

It is very easy to pick up partners for Veronica Sadovaya. Perennial veronicas go well with bluebells, cornflowers, primroses, garden geraniums, catnip, sage, milkweed, gravel, saxifrage, stonecrop, all kinds of carnations. They perfectly reveal the beauty of roses and other flowering shrubs.

Veronica spikelet (or spikelet) is widespread among Russian gardeners, so it has received many names among the people: field lambs, field sage, snake grass, andreeva grass, ganusok, bush, batozhki, blue flower. The plant is a perennial. Depending on the variety, Veronica can grow from 15 to 60 cm. The stem of the plant is strong, straight and unbranched. It is densely dotted with flowers. At the same time, the roots of Veronica are thin and grow horizontally. The size of the leaflets depends on their location on the stem, the length is from 1.5 to 8.5 cm, and the width is from 0.3 to 3 cm. The edges of the leaflets are serrated.

Flowering Veronica begins in the second half of June and lasts about 35 days. The plant blooms with a thick brush, which is narrowed to the top. Its length can be from 5 to 30 cm. Small flowers are held on short, hairy pedicels. The calyx consists of four oblong lobes of different lengths. The most common are blue or bright blue flowers. But the corolla is purple, pink or white. After flowering, Veronica spikelet forms rounded boxes with glandular hairs. Smooth, flat-convex ovoid seeds ripen in them. They are 0.75 mm long and 0.5 mm wide.

Veronica growing from seeds

Veronica seeds are sown in open ground in the second half of autumn, when the soil is not too cold and frost has not yet set in. The depth of seed placement in grooves or pits is small, about 5 mm. The approximate interval between seeds is 30 cm. As they grow, the next year, the seedlings are planted, leaving a larger interval (50 cm).

You can sow Veronica seeds in early spring in boxes for seedlings. In this case, preliminary stratification (hardening) of the seed material will be required. To do this, the seeds are laid out on a moist soil mixture (peat and soil), sprinkled with earth and covered with a film with holes. The container is placed in a cold place (refrigerator, cellar) for 3 weeks. After low temperatures, the seed container is placed in a warm and bright place. After 2 weeks, the first seedlings appear. Seedling care is usual: watering, light, airing and heat (about 15ºС).

In any case, seedlings will bloom only in the second year of life.

Veronica planting in open ground

Veronica spiky is an absolutely unpretentious plant, it propagates easily and grows rapidly on the site. The main condition for the successful cultivation of perennials is right choice places for planting and the fulfillment of certain agrotechnical requirements.

When choosing a landing site, given the light-loving culture, choose an open and sunny area. Light partial shade is also possible.

Veronica can grow in almost any soil, light and loose loam is preferable. One of the main conditions is good soil drainage and the absence of moisture stagnation in the area. As a drainage, you can use ordinary gravel. Soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction is the best option for a plant.

A drought tolerant plant, Veronica tolerates short drought better than excessive moisture. Excess or constant stagnation of moisture can be detrimental to the culture.

Hardy and hardy plant resistant even to trampling. If you step on the Veronica bushes, they quickly recover and raise the leaves.

Planting Veronica seedlings in the ground carried out in the spring in a previously prepared soil (fertilizer, drainage, loosening). Holes or grooves are dug shallow, according to the size of the root system of seedlings. When planting seedlings of Veronica in open ground, leave a distance between plants of about 50 cm, taking into account future growth and branching of the bushes. The landing site is shed with water and the plants are planted in the ground.

Veronica outdoor care

The unpretentious Veronica is convenient because it requires minimal care and attention, practically does not get sick and does not need top dressing and winter shelter.

Watering carried out as needed, without stagnant moisture. It is especially important to moisten the soil before the flowering period and at the stage of seedling germination. The rest of the time, watering is moderate, not frequent. Veronica perfectly tolerates short-term drought.

Mulching soil around the plant, will allow longer to maintain a moderate humid microclimate of the soil without additional watering. In addition, a layer of mulch prevents the growth of weeds in the flower bed.

When enough fertile soil, in additional top dressing, culture does not need. With poor soils, it is better to apply mineral and organic fertilizers.

If the varieties of Veronica spiky are tall enough, it is necessary tie up the plant to the support.

Every 5 years you need rejuvenate veronica bush, dividing it into several parts. Delenki will be able to actively develop and grow "with renewed vigor".

For the winter, the plant does not need to be covered with anything, it perfectly tolerates low temperatures, and even harsh Russian winters.

Veronica breeding

Gardeners practice propagating veronica using cuttings or simply dividing the plant bush. With such methods of reproduction, all varietal characteristics are preserved.

The division of the bush- the most common method of reproduction, especially successful when transplanting and rejuvenating a perennial, which is carried out every 5-6 years. If it is necessary to separate part of the plant without waiting a few years, you can do this earlier. The division procedure is carried out in spring (before foliage appears) or autumn (after flowering). To do this, first, all above-ground shoots are cut off, then the plant is dug up and divided into parts. Each viable part must have at least three root shoots. If the divisions are weak, it is better to first root them in the soil substrate, with the addition of peat and sand, and only then plant them in open ground. Digging up a plant is not difficult, given the surface occurrence of the roots. In addition, this method of reproduction provides faster survival and adaptation of the plant in a new place.

For propagation by cuttings cut the apical young shoots (10 cm long), cut off their top and lower them into the water. Prepared cuttings for rooting are placed in a loose substrate of perlite and peat with sand. After successful rooting, the cuttings are planted in open ground. Veronica bushes can be cut from spring to early autumn. From the second half of autumn, it is no longer worth harvesting cuttings, as they will not have time to take root by winter. In the summer, the planted cuttings need to be given more attention: the shoots are shaded (you can cover them with a film), provide regular watering, ventilation and gradual adaptation to the light.

Veronica care after flowering

After flowering, the aerial part is cut off so that new green shoots with foliage appear. With this technique, you can save an attractive decorative appearance of the bush until the fall. Before wintering, the bush is cut off again, leaving 3-5 cm. To prevent infection of the plant with pathogenic bacteria, faded inflorescences should also be constantly cut off.

Veronica diseases and pests

Veronica spiky is resistant to diseases and pests. Only in rainy weather or excessive humidity, it can become infected with powdery mildew, blotch or rust. If the leaves appeared characteristics(spots, plaque), the whole plant is treated with a fungicidal agent (for example, Fundazol). If an aphid appeared on the plant, the perennial should be treated with an insecticidal agent (Tanrek, Aktara).

Veronica species and varieties

There are many varieties of veronica that attract attention, for example, gray-haired veronica will surprise with a silvery shade of foliage, alpine - with an abundance of blue flowers, long-leaved - with charming grace. The dwarf variety of Veronica spiky will please you with a bright blue color that will decorate any front garden.

Where to buy veronica seeds

The Scientific and Production Association "Gardens of Russia" has been implementing the latest achievements in vegetable, fruit, berry and vegetable breeding for 30 years. ornamental crops into the wide practice of amateur gardening. The association uses the most modern technologies, a unique laboratory of plant micropropagation has been created. The main objectives of NPO "Gardens of Russia" is to provide gardeners with high-quality planting material of popular varieties of various garden plants and novelties of world selection. Delivery of planting material (seeds, bulbs, seedlings) is carried out by Russian post. Looking forward to shopping: