• Zones 1-9, 14-21, 38, 41-43
• Full sun
• Regular watering

Veronica spicata is just one of the hundreds of Veronica species ― commonly known as speedwells ― offered in nurseries and catalogs. In summer, its rounded clumps of small (to 1 1/2-inch), green, oblong leaves send up candlelike blossom spikes 15 to 20 inches tall, densely packed with tiny (1/4- to 1/2-inch) flowers. Blossoms are tubular, flaring out to four or five lobes. Cultivars include blue-flowered 'Blue Fox', 'Red Fox' (deep rosy red blooms), and 'Icicle' (white blossoms, gray-green leaves).

Give regular water. Well-drained soil is important, especially in Southern gardens. This is one plant that thrives on frequent division; plan to divide clumps every 2 years for best growth and bloom.