Create stunning plant combinations for beds, borders, or containers. Unlock your creativity and transform your garden today!
Signs of spring are finally starting to appear here in southeastern Pennsylvania. Just yesterday morning, I heard the pre-dawn twitterings of the first woodcocks as they migrate through here in Mar…
Aster means “star”, and certainly Asters are stars of the autumn garden. But stars need supporting actors, or the show can be pretty boring. For example, those one person shows where th…
Create stunning plant combinations for beds, borders, or containers. Unlock your creativity and transform your garden today!
Inspired by some recent posts by Thomas over at Grounded Design, I’ve been thinking a good bit about the gardening trends I’ve seen come and go over the past 25-plus years. I’ve enjoyed exploring m…
Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed) are famous for adding their rich colors to late summer borders. When mixed with the equally colorful, rose-lavender spikes of Stachys officinalis (Wood Betony), they create a long-lasting spectacular mix that is not only a feast for the eyes but also deer-resistant and fairly low maintenance!
In Part 1 of Matchmaking with Bulbs, I covered some ways of choosing flowering and foliage partners to create beautiful combinations with bulbs. Another way to choose companions is consider them fr…
Asters have a perpetual habit in late summer, much like the ever popular snowdrop in winter. They are the plant on every gardener’s lips and are the topic for most horticultural magazines and newsp…
A genus of very attractive temperate region perennial garden plants that are easy to grow on any well drained soil. They are generally NOT eaten by deer but DO attract butterflies. Most should be sheared or at least deadheaded after blooming. Pests and disease are rare, mildew sometimes occurs. Propagation is from seed or division every 2 to 3 years during fall or spring. * photos of unknown internet source * photo taken on June 23 2013 in Columbia, MD Veronica allioni ( Alpine Speedwell ) A mat forming perennial, reaching up to 1 foot x 15 inches, that is native to the European Alps. Alpine Speedwell roots as it spreads. It is an excellent plant for edging and rock gardens. The leaves are oval and very small. The abundant, deep blue flowers are borne on spikes up to 4 inches in length, during early summer though continuing sporadically for the remainder of summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade Veronica alpina Forms a low perennial clump, up to 1 x 2 feet, that is native to northern Eurasia. In mild climates it is often evergreen. The lightly-toothed, lance-shaped to pointed oval leaves, up to 1 inch in length. The foliage is luxuriant mid green. The blue flowers, up to 0.25 inches across, are borne on short erect spikes from early to late summer. Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade 'Alba' Forms a low perennial clump, up to 1 x 2 feet. The lance-shaped leaves are luxuriant mid green. The white flowers are borne from early to late summer. * photos taken on June 7 2012 in Columbia, MD 'Goodness Grows' Forms an upright perennial clump, up to 2 x 1.9 feet. The violet-blue flowers are borne from late spring until first fall frost, as long as old flower spikes are removed. Veronica angustifolia 46 x 38 inches Veronica armena A creeping prostrate perennial, reaching up to 4 x 8 inches, that is native to Armenia. The deeply cut feathery foliage is mid-green. The deep blue flowers are borne on erect stems during early summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade Veronica austriaca ( Hungerian Speedwell ) Formerly called Veronica teucrium. A low growing perennial, forming a clump reaching a maximum size of 3.3 x 4 ( rarely over 2 ) feet, that is a widespread native of Europe. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves, up to 2.8 inches in length, are mid-green. The blue flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne in short upright spikes during late spring to mid summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Shear back plants after flowering. 'Blue Fountain' Rich blue flowers 'Crater Lake Blue' Upright in habit, reaching up to 2 x 4 feet. The brilliant intense blue flower spikes are borne during early summer. * photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery 'Florverblue' Moderate growing and upright, mounding in habit, reaching up to 1 x 1 feet. The intense cobalt-blue appear early to late spring. Hardy zones 3 to 8 'Shirley Blue' A compact, mat forming perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 4 feet, with brilliant mid blue flowers. 'Trehane' A compact, mat forming perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 4 feet. The attractive foliage is bright golden-yellow and flowers are deep blue. Veronica beccabunga ( Brooklime ) A low, spreading perennial, reaching up to 6 x 20 inches, that is native to Eurasia. The finely-toothed, oval leaves, up to 1.7 inches in length, are green. The tiny, lilac to purple flowers are borne in small clusters during summer. Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica 'Bergen Blue' A mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 8 inches x 3 feet. The foliage is mid-green. The abundant, blue flowers are borne during late spring. Veronica 'Blue Reflection' A fast growing, low, tight, mat-forming, evergreen, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 3 feet. It is the hybrid between Veronica liwanensis & V. pectinata. The tiny, oval leaves are deep green, The sky-blue flowers are borne during mid-spring. Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Mulch with pine needles during winter if there is severe cold with no snow cover. Pest or disease problems are very rare, other than root rot on very wet soil. Veronica 'Blue Yonder' A suspected hybrid between Veronica allionii and Veronica liwanensis. It forms a mat up to 6 x 16 inches in size in just 2 years, it may eventually grow slightly wider. The foliage reaches just 4 inches high. The ovate leaves, up to 1.4 x 0.4 inches in size, are deep green and the stems are black. The abundant, intense deep violet-blue flowers, up to 0.4 inches wide, appear during late spring. Hardy zones 4 to 7 * patent photo Veronica bombycina ( Woolly Turkish Veronica ) A low, mat-forming groundcover perennial, reaching up to 2 x 10 inches, that is native to Turkey. It makes great filler between stones and pavers. The furry white foliage is attractive. Profuse bright blue flowers smother the plant during mid spring. Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on sandy or gravelly, well drained soil. It is tough, easy to grow and thrives in dry climates in the western U.S. Shear after flowering. Veronica caucasica ( Caucasian Speedwell ) A groundcover perennial, reaching up to 6 inches x 1.5 feet. Veronica chamaedrys 'Miffy Brute' ( Germander Speedwell ) A low growing, prostrate perennial, reaching up to 20 x 20 inches, that is native to Europe and northern Asia. It has naturalized locally in eastern North America to as far north as Montreal, Quebec and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The toothed, oval leaves, up to 1.7 inches in length, are deep green with bold splashes of pure white towards the tips. The blue flowers are borne in spikes, up to 5 inches in length, during late spring into early summer. up to 30 flowers are borne on sprays of up to 6 inches in length. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade Veronica cinerea A dense, prostrate mat forming perennial, reaching up to 8 x 16 inches, that is native to Greece. The narrow leaves up to 4 inches in length, are gray-green. The profuse blue flowers are borne all summer long. A great plant for the rock garden. Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica dabneyi ( Pink Speedwell ) A low, clump forming perennial, reaching up to 6 inches x 1 foot, with bright green foliage and light pink flowers borne in short spikes during late spring into early summer. Excellent for edging and rock gardens. Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica exaltata A upright perennial, reaching up to 5 x 4 feet, that is native to Siberia. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 6 inches in length. The pale blue flowers are borne on spikes during late summer. Hardy zone 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade Veronica filifolia ( Fernleaved Speedwell ) A very fast spreading, low carpet-forming, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 1.5 feet, with ferny mid-green foliage and large, mid blue flowers borne late spring into early summer. Great for use in edging, rock gardens and trailing over walls. Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica fruticans A low, sub-shrubby perennial, reaching up to 8 inches x 1 foot, that is native to north and central Europe. The flowers are deep blue with a red eye. Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica fruticulosa A low, sub-shrubby perennial, reaching up to 8 inches x 1 foot, that is native to north and central Europe. The flowers are pink or blue with a red eye. It is very similar to Veronica fruticans but hardier. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica gentianides ( Broad-Leaved Speedwell ) An upright, dense, clumping perennial reaching up to 3 x 3 feet, however with much lower foliage forming a mat, that is native to mountains in western Asia ( from northern Turkey to the Caucasus ). The toothed, pointed, oval leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are glossy bright to deep green. The abundant, bright blue flowers are borne in upright spikes, up to 12 inches in length, from late spring into early summer. Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on just about any moist, well drained soil. * historic archive photo 'Tissington White' White flowers. 'Variegata' Foliage is glossy green and boldly splashed and edged in creamy-white. The pale blue flowers are borne in spikes, up to 1 foot high, during spring. Veronica incana - see Veronica spicata subsp incana Veronica liwanensis ( Turkish Speedwell ) A fast growing, low, thick, carpet-forming, evergreen, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 2 inches x 2.5 feet. The stems self root as they creep along the ground. It makes an excellent lawn substitute in dry climates, it also looks great between stepping stones. The tiny, leathery, oval leaves are glossy deep green. The very abundant, intense mid-blue flowers are borne mid-spring to early summer. Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade ( partial shade preferred in hot summer climates ) on moderately moist, well drained soil. Very drought tolerant. Veronica longifolia ( Longleaf Veronica ) Upright in habit, forming a clump up to 5 x 3.4 feet ( rarely over 4 feet ), that is native to much of Europe but has also naturalized over much of northeast North America. The double-toothed, lance-shaped leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are bold and mid-green. The leaves are borne in whorls along the stems. The deep blue flowers are borne in long clusters during mid-summer into early autumn. Attracts butterflies. Hardy zones 3 to 8 ( possibly 2 on protected sites ) in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is from division during spring and fall. 'Alba' Reaches up to 3 feet in height, with pure white flowers. * photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD 'Blue Charm' Forms a clump, up to 3 x 3.2 feet. The attractive, lance-shaped leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are glossy deep green. The mildew resistant foliage remains healthy all season long. The intense lavender-blue flowers are borne on long, dense, upright spikes during early summer and continuing into early autumn if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade. 'Blue Giant' Reaching up to 5 x 3 feet, with coarse green foliage and thick spikes of lavender-blue flowers borne all summer long. 'Charlotte' Moderate growing and upright in habit, reaching up to 2.5 x 1.5 feet. The foliage is mid-green with a creamy-white margin. The ovate leaves are up to 2.2 x 1 inches in size. The abundant white flowers are borne in dense spikes up to 4.2 x 0.9 inches in size, from early to mid summer. Hardy zones 4 to 9. It has good mildew resistance. 'Eveline' Compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 2.3 x 2.5 ( rarely over 2 x 1.5 ) feet in size. The foliage is deep green. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 3.5 x 0.7 inches in size. The abundant, purplish-red flowers are borne on racemes, up to 6.5 x 1 inches in size, during mid-summer into early autumn. * photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD 'First Kiss' Moderate growing, compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet. The foliage is luxuriant glossy deep green. The toothed ovate leaves are up to 3.2 x 1.6 inches in size. The intense mid-pink flowers appear on long upright spikes late spring into early autumn. Hardy zones 4 to 9. * photos taken on Aug 30 2019 in Elkridge, MD 'First Lady' Moderate growing, compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 2 x 1.8 feet in 2 years, eventually to 2 x 2 feet. The foliage is luxuriant glossy deep green. The ovate leaves are up to 3.4 x 0.8 inches in size. The abundant, white flowers appear on dense, long, upright spikes, up to 4.8 x 0.7 inches in size, late spring into early autumn. Hardy zones 4 to 9 * photo taken on June 25 2017 in Elkridge, MD * photo taken on June 2018 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on Sep 10 2022 in Elkridge, MD 'First Love' Compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 2.6 x 2.5 ( rarely over 2 ) feet. The foliage is deep green. The ovate leaves are up to 3.2 x 1.5 inches in size. The abundant flower spikes, up to 5.1 x 1 inches in size, are intense medium-pink, borne early to mid-summer, sometimes repeating into early autumn. Hardy zones 4 to 8 * photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on June 21 2018 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on July 21 2021 in Laurel, MD * photos taken on Aug 27 2021 in Columbia, MD 'First Memory' Compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet. The foliage is luxuriant glossy deep green. The ovate leaves are up to 3 x 1.2 inches in size. The abundant, lilac flowers appear on dense, long, upright spikes, up to 5.5 x 0.9 inches in size, late spring into early autumn. Hardy zones 4 to 9 'Foerster's Blue' Reaches up to 32 inches in height, with intense deep blue flowers. 'Perfectly Picasso' Moderate growing and upright in habit, reaching up to 2.2 x 1.5 feet in 2 years, eventually to 2.6 x 2 feet. The foliage is glossy mid-green. The elliptical leaves are up to 3.5 x 1.3 inches in size. The white flower buds open up to intense mid-pink flowers giving a bicolored effect. The flowers appear mid to late summer, often repeating during early autumn. Hardy zones 4 to 9 * patent photo 'Pink Damask' Forms an upright clump up to 3 x 3 feet. The abundant, light pink flowers are borne during mid to late summer. * photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA 'Rosea' Reaches up to 3 feet in height with large foliage and pink flowers early to late summer. 'Sonja' Reaches up to 2.5 x 2.5 feet, with abundant, intense red-purple flowers borne on upright spikes during early to mid summer. The attractive foliage is glossy deep green. 'Subsessilis' Reaches up to 3 feet with lightly serrated, long glossy green leaves. The deep blue flowers are borne over a long season. 'White Giant' Reaching up to 5 x 3 feet, with coarse green foliage and thick spikes of pure white flowers borne all summer long. Veronica 'Mann's Variety' A low, mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 1 foot, with lance-shaped leaves up to 2 inches in length. The rounded blue flowers, up to 4 inches in width, are borne late spring through summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica montana A fast growing, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 1 x 2 feet, bearing intense blue flowers borne in short spikes during spring. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. 'Corinne Tremaine' Foliage is variegated with a creamy-white edge, otherwise very similar. Veronica multifida A compact low growing perennial, reaching up to 1 foot, with deep green foliage and blue or pink flowers borne during spring. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica 'New Century' The hybrid between Veronica liwanensis & V. pectinata, that is an attractive dense groundcover perennial, with deep green foliage and deep blue flowers borne durng spring. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica nummularia ( Pyrenean Speedwell ) An evergreen, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 2 inches in height. The foliage is fleshy. The blue or pink flowers are borne in clusters. Veronica oltensis A miniature creeping Veronica, reaching just 1 x 8 inches in size. It is great for the rock garden or used between pavers. The thick leaves are verdant mid-green. The violet-blue flowers are borne late spring into early summer. Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil of moderate moisture. It is deer resistant. Veronica ornata A perennial native to Honshu Island in Japan that is similar to Veronica spicata but is larger leaves and more showy blooms. It reaches up to 2 feet in height with oppositely arranged, silvery-green foliage. The abundant, intense mid blue flowers are borne in spikes up to 10 inches in length, lasting from mid August to sometimes as late as December. It is among the best of all fall blooming perennials. Hardy zone 6b to 9 in full sun. Drought tolerant. Veronica pectinata ( Comb Speedwell ) A dense, mat-forming, evergreen shrubby perennial, native to Asia Minor, forming a dense mat, up to 8 inches x 2.5 feet, rooting as it spreads. The very hairy, deeply toothed leaves, up to 1 inches in length, are hairy and gray. The abundant, deep blue ( with white eye ), saucer-shaped flowers, are borne on short panicles, up to 5 inches long, over a period lasting around a month during late spring. Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Drought tolerant. Shear back during early summer to encourage vigorous growth. 'Rubra' Woolly foliage and pink flowers borne late spring. Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' A low growing, bushy, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 1 x 5 ( usually lower ) feet, that is native to the country of Georgia in central Asia. It is an excellent plant for mixing with Daffodils to give multi-season interest. It also looks great used as edging or trailing over walls. It is deciduous in cold climates, however from zone 7 and south, it is evergreen with its foliage transitioning from deep green to deep red during the cooler months. North of zone 7 it may become deciduous during severe winters. The rounded, true blue flowers are borne during mid to late spring, sometimes repeating during late summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial shade. It is drought tolerant once established. * photo taken on April 10 2012 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on May 4 2013 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD * photos taken on May 6 2015 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on Apr 29 2022 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on Aug 29 2023 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on Apr 22 2023 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on Apr 18 2024 in Columbia, MD Veronica prostrata ( Sprawling Speedwell ) An evergreen, mat-forming groundcover perennial reaching up to 1 x 3.5+ feet. It is a very tough groundcover and can tolerate being walked on almost as much as grass. Great for edging and in the rock garden. It is native to mountains in Europe. The oppositely-arranged, toothed, ovate leaves, up to 4 ( rarely over 2 ) inches in length, are mid-green. The abundant, bright to deep blue flowers, up to 0.3 inches wide, are borne on dense short spikes during mid to late spring. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun, very easy to grow on any well drained site. These plants should be sheared after blooming to encourage growth. * historic archive photo 'Aztec Gold' Forms a foliage clump up to 9 inches x 2.3 feet in 2 years, with flower spikes up to 1 foot. The foliage is bright golden-yellow. The oblong leaves are up to 2 x 1 inches in size. The bright blue flowers are borne on racemes up to 1.6 inches long, during the late spring. The best foliage color is in full sun. Goldwell' Forms a foliage clump up to 9 inches x 2.3 feet in 2 years, with flower spikes up to 1 foot. The foliage is variegated with a golden-yellow border. The oblong leaves are up to 1.2 inches long The bright blue flowers are borne on racemes up to 2 inches long, during the late spring into early summer. The best foliage color is in full sun. 'Heavenly Blue' Forms an emerald green carpet, up to 6 inches x 3 feet, with very abundant, intense mid-blue flowers in late spring. 'Ice Blue' Forms a low carpet of mid green foliage, with pale blue flowers during late spring into early summer. 'Spode Blue' Deep blue flowers. Veronica repens ( Creeping Speedwell ) A very rapid growing, flat, dense, mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 1.5 feet. Great for a rock garden or the front of a border. It can also be used between patio stones. The small mossy leaves are glossy green. The sky blue flowers are borne late spring into early summer. Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. 'Sunshine' Even lower growing, reaching up to 2 inches x 2 feet, with bright yellowish-green foliage and blue flowers. * photo taken on Aug 23 2014 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on June 2 2016 in Annapolis, MD Veronica 'Royal Candles' A hybrid forming an vigorous, upright clump, reaching up to 1.5 x 3 feet, that is the hybrid between Veronica spicata & Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue'. The narrowly-ovate leaves are up to 3 x 0.8 inches in size, The rich glossy deep green foliage is resistant to pests and diseases, remaining luxuriant green all summer long. The abundant, rich blue flowers are borne in spikes, up to 6 x 0.6 inches in size, all summer long. The flowers attract butterflies. Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. * photo of unknown internet source * photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on June 2012 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on May 3 2017 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on June 25 2017 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on July 13 2017 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on Jul 19 2017 @ Rideau Hall, Ottawa, ON * photo taken on Oct 28 2017 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on June 15 2018 in Columbia, MD Veronica saturejoides A low mat forming perennial, reaching up to 3 inches x 1.5 feet with glossy deep green foliage and deep blue flowers with red markings. Hardy zones 5 to 8 Veronica spicata ( Spiked Speedwell ) A bushy perennial, reaching up to 4 x 3 feet, that is native to much of Europe. The finely-toothed, lance-shaped or ovate leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are glossy mid-green. The violet-blue flowers, up to 0.25 inches across, are borne on dense upright spikes up to 12 inches in length, during most of summer. The flowers attract butterflies. Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on just about any well drained soil. It is very tolerant of drought and alkaline soil. * photo taken on June 17 2011 in Ellicott City, MD * photo of unknown internet source 'Alba' Reaches up to 4 x 3 feet with white flower spikes during early to mid summer. * photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour 'Baby Doll' Dense, compact and upright, reaching up to 18 x 22 inches. The foliage is bright green. The deep pink flowers appear during mid to late summer. 'Aquamarine' Vigorous, dense and upright in habit, reaching up to 4.5 feet in height. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 6.2 x 2 inches in size. The violet flowers are borne in inflorescences up to 5 x 1 inches in size, all summer long. 'Blue Carpet' A compact perennial, reaching up to 10 inches x 2 feet ( typically under 5 inches ), with intense mid-blue flowers during mid to late summer. 'Blue Indigo' Reaches up to 2 x 4 feet with intense mid-blue flowers.> 'Blue Skywalker' Compact, dense and stiffly-upright in habit, reaching up to 2.5 x 3 feet in 3 years. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 4.2 x 1.2 inches in size. The foliage is glossy deep green. The intense lavender-blue flowers appear all summer long. The dense upright flower spikes are up to 16 x 3.5 inches in size. * patent photo 'Darwins Blue' Moderate growing, dense and clumping, reaching up to 2.2 x 1.8 feet. The toothed, lance-shaped leaves are deep green. The leaves are up to 3 x 0.9 inches in size. The abundant rich purplish-blue flowers are borne on dense spikes from early summer into early autumn. Hardy zones 3 to 8, it has exceptional heat tolerance. * photo taken on 4th of July @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. 'Discolor' Very ornamental with silvery-gray foliage and violet-blue flowers, borne in dense spikes, up to 8 inches in length, during early summer. 'Fairytale' Moderate growing, compact, dense, sturdy and upright in habit, reaching up to 1.7 x 1.1 feet in 2 years, eventually to 2.6 x 2.4 feet. The narrowly-ovate leaves are up to 3.3 x 1.1 inches in size. The abundant pale pink flowers are borne during mid-summer into early autumn. 'Giles van Hees' A mat forming perennial, up to 8 inches x 2 feet, with deep pink flowers borne over a long season from summer until autumn frosts. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. * photo taken on June 1 2019 in Columbia, MD 'Heidekind' A low mat-forming perennial up to 1 x 1.5 feet in size with green foliage topped by rose-pink flower spikes late spring until fall frost if deadheaded. 'Icicle' Upright in habit, reaching up to 2.5 x 3 feet. The foliage is glossy deep green. The abundant, pure white flower spikes are borne over a long season from early summer to early autumn. * photo taken Aug 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario * photos taken on June 14 2012 in Columbia, MD subsp incana ( Woolly Speedwell ) A spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 3 feet, with semi-evergreen woolly silvery-gray leaves, up to 2 inches in length. It is native to grasslands from eastern Europe to Siberia and northwest China. It bears violet-blue flowers on spikes, up to 10 inches in length, during early to mid summer. Great for massing and edging. Remove old flower spikes. 'Lavender Lightsaber' Compact, dense and stiffly-upright in habit, reaching up to 2.5 x 3 feet in 3 years. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 4.2 x 1.2 inches in size. The foliage is glossy deep green. The soft lavender flowers appear all summer long. The dense upright flower spikes are up to 16 x 3.5 inches in size. Hardy zones 4 to 8 * patent photos 'Moody Blues' Moderate growing, dense and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.6 x 1.7 feet in 2 years, eventually up to 2.2 x 2.1 feet. The elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 0.7 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green. The bluish-purple flowers appear on racemes up to 5 x 0.8 inches in size, from early summer until autumn frost. It reblooms abundantly if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 8 'Moody Dark Blue' Moderate growing, dense and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.6 x 1.7 feet in 2 years, eventually up to 2.2 x 2.1 feet. The elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 0.7 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green. The deep blue flowers appear on racemes up to 5 x 0.8 inches in size, from early summer until autumn frost. It reblooms abundantly if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 8 'Moody Light Blue' Moderate growing, dense and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.6 x 1.7 feet in 2 years, eventually up to 2.2 x 2.1 feet. The elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 0.7 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green. The light blue flowers appear on racemes up to 5 x 0.8 inches in size, from early summer until autumn frost. It reblooms abundantly if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 8 'Moody Mauve Blue' Moderate growing, dense and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.6 x 1.7 feet in 2 years, eventually up to 2.2 x 2.1 feet. The elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 0.7 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green. The dark pink flowers appear on racemes up to 5 x 0.8 inches in size, from early summer until autumn frost. It reblooms abundantly if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 8 * photo taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA 'Moody Sky Blue' Moderate growing, dense and compact in habit, reaching up to 1.6 x 1.7 feet in 2 years. The elliptical leaves are up to 3 x 0.7 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green. The intense mid-blue flowers appear on racemes up to 5 x 0.8 inches in size, from early summer until autumn frost. It reblooms abundantly if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 8 * patent photo 'Noah Williams' The variegated form of 'Icicle'; it reaches up to 2 feet in height, with toothed foliage that is blotched creamy-white. The flowers are pure white. 'Pink Moody Blues' Moderate growing, dense and compact, upright in habit, reaching up to 2.2 x 2.1 feet in 2 years. The elliptical leaves are up to 3.5 x 0.7 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green. The light pink flowers appear on racemes up to 5 x 0.8 inches in size, from early summer until autumn frost. It reblooms abundantly if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 8 * patent photo 'Pink Potion' Moderate growing, dense and upright in habit, reaching up to 1.6 x 3 feet in 2 years, eventually slightly wider. The foliage is deep green. The oblanceolate leaves are up to 3 x 1.1 inches in size. The intense mid-pink flowers appear mid-summer into mid-autumn if deadheaded. Hardy zones 4 to 8 * patent photo 'Pure Silver' A long lived perennial, reaching up to 2 feet x 15 inches, with gray foliage and mid-blue flowers borne on abundant, upright spikes. Hardy zones 4 to 9, it is both drought tolerant as well as more heat and humidity tolerant than other species, thriving in most of the U.S. except the Gulf Coast. 'Purpleicious' Moderate growing, dense, compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 1.5 x 1.2 feet in 2 years, eventually to 1.8 x 1.8 feet in size. The foliage is glossy deep green. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 3.8 x 1.1 inches in size. The fragrant, violet flowers are borne on narrow upright spikes, up to 8.2 x 0.8 inches in size, all summer long. Hardy zones 4 to 8 * photo taken on Aug 1 2017 in Elkridge, MD * patent photo * photo taken on May 9 2024 in Elkridge, MD 'Red Fox' Upright in habit, reaching up to 2 x 3 feet, with abundant, reddish-pink flowers all summer long. * photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on Aug 3 2013 in Stratford, ON * photo taken on July 26 2015 @ Niagara Parks Bot. Gardens, Niagara Falls, ON * photo taken on June 13 2019 in Catonsville, MD 'Tickled Pink' Vigorous, compact and spreading in habit, reaching a maximum size of 15 inches x 3.5 feet. The narrowly-ovate leaves are up to 5 x 0.2 inches in size. The showy clear pink flowers are borne on racemes up to 5.5 x 0.8 inches in size, over a long season from mid spring to mid summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 * photos taken on June 3 2012 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue' Forms a dense, upright, bushy perennial, reaching up to 3 x 2 ( rarely over 2 ) feet. The foliage is crinkled glossy deep green. The intense deep blue flower spikes are borne over a very long season from early summer to first hard frost in autumn. The foliage is very resistant to mildew and remains fresh green all season until turning yellow during late autumn. Great for edging and massing. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. * photo taken on June 24 2011 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on June 3 2012 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on June 20 2013 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on Aug 1 2017 in Elkridge, MD * photos taken on Aug 8 2017 in Clarksville, MD * photos taken on June 26 2018 in Columbia, MD * photo taken on Aug 5 2019 in Clarksville, MD * photos taken on June 14 2020 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on July 18 2020 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on June 27 2021 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on July 5 2021 in Columbia, MD * photos taken on July 1 2022 in Columbia, MD Veronica thymoides ssp pseudocinerea A low growing, prostrate perennial, reaching up to 4 inches in height. The light blue flowers are borne during spring, then sporadically through summer into autumn. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica 'Tidal Pool' A very fast growing, prostrate groundcover perennial that is the hybrid between Veronica armena and V. pectinata ‘Rosea’. It can reach up to 3 inches x 2.5 feet in just 2 years. The small, 4 to 8 shallowly-lobed, obovate leaves, up to 0.6 x 0.3 inches in size, are mid-green. The abundant, intense, mid-blue flowers appear on racemes, up to 3 x 0.7 inches in size, over a period lasting up to 4 weeks during late spring into early summer, then repeating lightly during early autumn Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. It is very drought, sand and clay tolerant and easy to propagate from division or cuttings. It has excellent leaf spot resistance. * patent photo Veronica 'Waterperry Blue' A fast growing, low, mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 1 x 3 ( rarely over 0.5 x 2.5 ) feet, rooting as it spreads. The rounded, leathery, glossy deep green leaves, up to 0.5 inches long, turn to purple during winter. The striking rounded, bright blue flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne abundantly during mid-spring, then sporadically into late summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of hot humid summers. It is rabbit and deer resistant. * photos taken on May 18 2011 in Columbia, MD * photo taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014 * photo taken on Apr 12 2017 in Columbia, MD Veronica 'Whitewater' Originated as a sport of Veronica 'Waterperry Blue'. A fast growing, low, mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 0.5 x 1.5 feet in 1 year, eventually to 1 x 2.5 ( rarely over 0.5 ) feet, rooting as it spreads. The rounded, leathery, glossy deep green leaves, up to 0.7 x 0.7 inches in size, turn to purple during winter. The striking rounded, pure white flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne abundantly on racemes, up to 2.3 x 0.7 inches in size, during mid-spring, then sporadically into late summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of hot humid summers. It is rabbit and deer resistant. * patent photo Veronica whitleyi ( Whitley's Speedwell ) A low mat forming perennial, reaching up to 4 inches x 1.5 feet, with small gray-green leaves and very profuse soft blue flowers borne during late spring then sporadically into early autumn. Excellent for use as a dense groundcover and in the rock garden or trailing over walls. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Veronica wormskjoldii ( American Alpine Speedwell ) A rhizome spreading, upright perennial, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 2.3 feet, that is native to western U.S. ( from northern Alaska to southwest Northwest Territories to Jasper National Park, Alberta; south to central California to northern New Mexico in mountains ). It is also native to Greenland, Ontario, Quebec, Maine and Newfoundland. The smooth-edged to toothed, pointed, ellptical leaves are up to 2 inches in length. The abundant, blue flowers are borne in terminal heads during early to mid summer. Hardy zones 3 to 8 ( should be tested in 2 ) in full sun to partial shade. Surprisingly tolerant of drought and hot humid summers considering its native range. subsp Stelleri Native to coastal Alaska, it forms a dense, low growing mat reaching up to 8 inches in height. The foliage is deep green. The abundant blue flowers are borne late spring to mid-summer. Hardy zones 6 to 7, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Create stunning plant combinations for beds, borders, or containers. Unlock your creativity and transform your garden today!
Last month, it was all I could do to scrape up a few photos for my Bloom Day post. This month, I had the opposite problem: how to select a limited amount of images from a superabundance of lovely f…
Native to Western and Central Europe, Aconitum napellus brings showy, densely packed spikes of deep purplish-blue flowers and attractive foliage in the shade garden. Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, the helmet shape of the flowers makes them resemble the hood worn by medieval monks, hence the common names of monkshood or helmet flower. Deer and rabbit resistant
Late May to mid-June generally isn’t a great time for pretty garden pictures here at Hayefield. I’m usually just getting around to setting out the annuals and tender perennials, so the new plants a…
Snapdragons bring vibrant colors and unique 'snap' blooms to gardens, attracting pollinators and adding charm to beds, borders, and bouquets.
Though hot and dry were the main themes of the last month here, we’ve finally gotten some rain, and the cooler temperatures are more in keeping with the fall season. The animals are certainly…
When I was writing The Perennial Matchmaker, my original plan was to include an entire section devoted to combinations featuring hardy bulbs, but as the pages filled up with other perennials, I was…
Happy Bloom Day, all! So far, this summer has been a winner here in southeastern PA, with a nice amount of rain every few days. That means lots of mowing and weeding, of course, but no time wasted …
I must admit I first discovered Drumstick Allium when I could not find any other allium bulb to buy...it was late fall and I had waited t...
Transform your city garden with potted plants, hanging baskets, and creative seating areas, maximizing space and adding greenery to your urban oasis.
Now that we’ve finally gotten some rain again here in southeastern Pennsylvania, I decided to plant out a few pansies. Yeah, no–just kidding, obviously. But this is part of the spring t…
Explore Planting Designer - John Schoolmeesters' 1182 photos on Flickr!
Explore Planting Designer - John Schoolmeesters' 1182 photos on Flickr!
Though hot and dry were the main themes of the last month here, we’ve finally gotten some rain, and the cooler temperatures are more in keeping with the fall season. The animals are certainly…
Discover eight of the best cosmos combinations.
Click on the images below to enjoy a captioned summer photography tour of the Toronto Botanical Garden. All images Copyright Janet Davis 2008-2012.
Salvia's zijn mooie vaste planten voor elke tuin en een salvia combineren kan op veel manieren – laat je inspireren door onze combinaties!
One word. Irresistible. Echinacea 'Mama Mia' is a great-looking perennial boasting a profusion of large flowers whose color change from red to orange to coral to pink. A rich cocktail of colors that are easy to marry in the garden. This mid-size Coneflower has an upright and well-branched habit and provides a vibrant floral display in the garden from mid to late summer, sometimes with additional sporadic bloom until frost.
With so much going on in the garden this time of year, it would be easy enough to do a Bloom Day post every week without getting boring. I’ve limited myself to just the past 10 days for this …
Late May to mid-June generally isn’t a great time for pretty garden pictures here at Hayefield. I’m usually just getting around to setting out the annuals and tender perennials, so the new plants a…
It’s somewhat unfair that the garden here starts to look really good just as the very first signs of season’s end appear: touches of fall color here and there, the constellation Orion p…
It’s somewhat unfair that the garden here starts to look really good just as the very first signs of season’s end appear: touches of fall color here and there, the constellation Orion p…
The winter here in southeastern Pennsylvania has been relatively mild, but we’re still a long way from the lushness of summer, so it’s a good time to be looking at pretty pictures. Here’s a s…
Happy Bloom Day, all! So far, this summer has been a winner here in southeastern PA, with a nice amount of rain every few days. That means lots of mowing and weeding, of course, but no time wasted …
After our horribly dry spring here in southeastern Pennsylvania, we’ve been blessed with lovely weather for most of the last month: a few hot and muggy days, but some gloriously cool and dry …
Luke and Petra Hoyer Millar are unusual people; they moved to their current address in Oxfordshire two years ago but though they love their house, they've
