Veronica is a herbaceous groundcover that blooms with small flowers gathered in inflorescences. There are annual and perennial forms, as well as semi-shrubs. Refers to medicinal plants. It is unpretentious and grows well. Veronica is planted in mixborders, curbs, carpet plantings, among stones, near buildings, reservoirs, etc. As partners suitable for her: bell, primrose, stonecrop, carnation, nyvnyak, etc. Perennial varieties of Veronica are usually grown in the gardens.

Conditions for growing Veronica

1) Plot. For growing Veronica, a sunny area with ordinary garden soil is suitable. Some species prefer rocky areas. The moisture-loving ones include Veronica virginskaya, Veronica gentian and Veronica long-leaved. Drought-resistant - mountain varieties of Veronica: spikelet, gravelly, etc.
2) Reproduction. Veronica is propagated by seeds, dividing the bush and grafting. Seeds are sown directly into open ground before winter. The division of the bush is carried out in early spring or late summer by cutting off the ground part of the plant.
3) Caring for Veronica includes:

• cutting off faded shoots;
• moderate watering.

Shelter for the winter is usually not required.
4) Diseases and pests. Veronica is one of those plants that are rarely affected by diseases and pests.
Varieties of Veronica:
1. Veronica officinalis is a plant with creeping shoots about 30 cm in height. It blooms in May-June with small blue flowers.
2. Veronica Dubravnaya is a plant with creeping shoots, reaching a height of 40 cm, blooming in June-July with light blue flowers.
3. Veronica filiform is a low, unpretentious plant with thin stems that grow up to about 5 cm in height. The flowers are white or blue. It is able to fill everything around with itself.
4. Veronica creeping is a very fast growing unpretentious plant with shoots up to 15 cm high. It can displace surrounding plantings.
5. Veronica broadleaf is a rather tall plant reaching up to 50 cm, with large inflorescences.
6. Veronica spicata is a plant with shoots reaching a height of 40 cm. Flowers are pink, white, blue or purple in color, collected in long beautiful inflorescences.
7. Veronica large - has high stems, rising above the ground up to 70 cm. It blooms with bright blue flowers, collected in racemose inflorescences.

poor, fertile, average fertility, drained, waterlogged, sandy loam, loamy, clayey

Soil moisture

humid, moderately humid, dry

Life span

Illumination

direct sunlight, partial shade

Reproduction

cuttings, seeds, division

Boarding time

Spring Summer Autumn

Portrait of Veronica

Genus Veronica (Veronica, stress on the second syllable) belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and includes about 300 species of annual, biennial and perennial grasses or dwarf shrubs. Veronica grows all over the globe, but are more common in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The origin of the genus name is still disputed. Some believe that the plant is named after St. Veronica. Others - that the name comes from the Latin words "vera unica" - "real medicine" (Veronica has long been used in medicine). most Veronica is fibrous, in some species it is represented by a rhizome, located close to the soil surface. Certain species possess. Stems are straight or spread over the ground, covered most often with whole sessile leaves, arranged in a regular order, either opposite or whorled. The corolla is medium-sized, of four petals of white, blue, deep blue, purple, less often pink. Flowers are usually collected in lateral or apical spike-shaped or racemose inflorescences, rarely solitary. In the lower part, the petals grow together to form a tube. The upper part remains free, forming a fold. The fruit is a capsule bearing small seeds.

The genus is very large and diverse, therefore some botanists classify certain species of Veronica as genera Veronicastrum (Veronicastrum) and Veronichnik (Pseudolysimachion)... The differences between them are very relative. Veronicastrum - herbaceous perennials with high (up to 1.5 m) stems that are not prone to falling apart. They are covered with lanceolate leaves (3-9 pieces per whorl) and are crowned with large spike-shaped inflorescences. Currently, representatives of the genus Veronicastrum belong to the genus Fine grains (Leptandra). Veronichniki - herbaceous perennials with lanceolate leaves, dense inflorescences. The petals grow together in the lower part by at least a third, forming a rather long tube. The fruit is slightly flattened laterally. Other members of the genus Veronica used in floriculture are also herbaceous perennials.

Veronica's landing

Low-growing species of Veronica growing in the mountains are drought-resistant, undemanding to soil and light-requiring. Only one of them - veronica spike - able to endure waterlogging. Tall Veronica usually prefer fertile, tolerate partial shade and are moisture-loving, but many of them are able to tolerate drought. Some veronica - gentian, prostrate, medicinal - put up with shading. Veronica gray loses its silvery shade in the shade, and veronica branched does not tolerate overheating, therefore, the optimal landing site will be a section in partial shade. Unpretentious veronica creeping and veronica threadlike develop successfully both in the sun, but are most effective in the shade, for example.

They are distinguished by their love of moisture veronicastrum and veronica grandiflora . Veronica shallow need fresh soil with regular moisture. Veronica is large, gentian, outstretched, threadlike hygrophilous, but tolerate drought. The latter quickly forms precisely in a wet area. Veronica's handrail and key they are planted either or in a container immersed in water to a depth of 10 cm. They are unpretentious, but they need clean water.

Veronica has no special requirements for soil fertility. Prefer calcareous, non-acidic, loose, drained loam or. But veronicastrum it is better to plant on rich fertile loams. Mountain veronica - Armenian, spikelet, gravelly, small, Schmidt, large-flowered - grow and develop better when introduced into the soil of crushed stone and sand.

Growing Veronica

Veronica spikelet, large, Sakhalin prone to falling apart, they should be. Veronica creeping, threadlike, key, handrail , their growth is limited if necessary. After flowering, the height of the aboveground part is greatly reduced, which is especially noticeable in tall veronique of austria, gentian, spikelet ... Low-growing species are stably decorative: after cutting off the faded inflorescences, new shoots grow. In autumn, it is advisable to mulch the plants with neutral or humus to cover the root system located close to the soil surface. Veronica is winter-hardy without shelter, the loss of plants after winter is associated with waterlogging of the soil, so it is important to take care of the drainage of the site. Only veronica branched and woody need preventive.

Reproduction of Veronica

Veronica is propagated most often by dividing the bush. The superficial root system makes this operation painless and easy. Divide in late April - early May, when leaves begin to appear, or in September, after flowering. The plots are rooted in a loose substrate (neutral peat and sand, perlite). If the cuttings are large, with a well-developed root system, they can be immediately planted in a flower garden. The planting distance depends on the size of the plant. For large (about 1 m in height) it is 40-50 cm (5-7 pieces per 1 sq. M), for medium (30-60 cm in height) - 30-40 cm (7-9 pieces per sq. m), for small ones (up to 20 cm high) - 20-30 cm (16-20 pcs. per 1 sq. m).

Green cuttings are propagated less often. In June-July, cuttings about 10 cm long are harvested, cutting off the tops of the shoots and removing the inflorescences. They are rooted in perlite or a mixture of peat and sand (1: 1).

AND filiform - wonderful. They are used as an alternative to the lawn where its arrangement is problematic, for example, in an orchard. This surface does not require mowing and is resistant to trampling. It is noticed that Veronica improves the structure of the soil, making it looser.

Veronica's pests and diseases

Veronica is rarely damaged by diseases and pests. But in the wrong place or in a cool rainy summer, it becomes susceptible to powdery mildew, spotting, rust. When diseases appear, plants are treated with fungicides (for example, Fundazole). In the fall, you need to destroy plant debris. Of the pests, the most harmful are nematodes and aphids. For use insecticides (Aktara, Tanrek), for the destruction of nematodes - nematicides (Fenamifos, Aldicarb).

Veronica is unpretentious in care, does not need additional feeding. Watering is necessary only for moisture-loving species.

A plant resistant to harsh winters, Veronica is grown both for decorative purposes and for the preparation of medicinal broths. In total, more than 500 species are known for garden planting. There is no such diversity in nature, but there are also many wild species. There are perennial, annual 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, the 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 simplicity in care and the ability to get along with other plants.

Features of agrotechnology Veronica: growing and care

Veronica is loved by gardeners for her unpretentiousness, lack of special techniques, variety of species and varieties. If 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 circumvented:

• Sunny side of the site, where the light will be present from morning to evening. Shady and semi-shaded areas will not give those decorative properties that are declared by 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 the conditions of care. Herbaceous creeping species do not tolerate drought, die without water, flowering ceases. Erect tall species can easily withstand 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. Beds with depleted soil can be fed with organic matter: humus, manure, infusion of nettle and burdock.
• Tall bushes need a garter. A thin stem does not withstand the pressure of the wind, which can not only tilt downward, depriving the aesthetic appearance, but also break. Twigs, picket fence, willow branches will do.
• In autumn, after the end of flowering, 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.

Breeding methods for Veronica

To breed Veronica, 3 methods are used:

• seminal;
• dividing the bush;
• cuttings.

Despite the troublesome seed method, it is used when they want to get a healthy independent bush with pure varietal characteristics. It is also an opportunity to improve the health of the planting material and increase its amount at a fairly low cost.

Seeds are sown directly into the ground in the fall or spring, Veronica is grown on the windowsill in a seedling way.

Densely risen is thinned out, creating gaps between the bushes from 20 to 50 cm, depending on the species. Tall plants need more area to grow.

How to grow veronica seedlings at home

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

• We get 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 at a time in a glass or 5 cm apart in a container.
• Sprinkle with a thin layer of earth, moisten.
• Cover with foil until shoots appear.
• When shoots appear, we remove the shelter, place the seedlings on a light 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.

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

Autumn planting with seeds in open ground stratifies seeds (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.

Dividing the bush is considered a quick and convenient breeding method. Peduncles will be in the first year of planting. Choose the largest bush, separate several shoots with a shovel or a 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 by cuttings passes by cutting off a 10 cm long shoot from a healthy bush. They are allowed to germinate in water, after which they are planted in a permanent place.

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

The procedure is performed in August, then the sprout will have time to strengthen in the ground before winter. The next year, the bush will delight you with excellent flowering.

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

Pest control

Due to its natural endurance, Veronica is rarely affected by infections. Waterlogged soil, shady area of ​​the 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.

The elimination of the diseased plant, treatment of the flower bed with nematicides will help from the ring spot virus. The carriers of the virus are nematodes that live in the soil. Yellow, twisted foliage are signs of nematode damage to the soil, and plants are ring spot.

Among insect pests, caterpillars that eat foliage and young shoots can most often be found. Warming of the soil, timely weeding, a break in watering will save them from them. Less common are scoops, moths, long-wattled moths, from which treatment with issecticidal preparations will help.

Description of the plant veronica veronica, origin

Veronica is difficult to confuse with other plants due to the combination of signs of nettle, plantain and bluebells. If you look at Veronica from afar, then she does not differ in brightness, but resembles a solid carpet. Therefore, when creating a garden decor, they use not one plant, 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 surface arrangement;
• thick with shallow germination;
• thin mesh, occupying a large underground area.

Perennial bushes have a solid root that can withstand cold winter temperatures.

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

Stems... Veronica has a long, dense, cylindrical stem. Some species have an erect ground part, others a creeping one. Depending on the location of the stems, the plant has its decorative value. Strong interlacing of fibers allows you to withstand weight loads during walking of a person or animals. It will not work to break off or tear off a part of the bush, only with the use of a tool.

Leaves... Externally, the leaf plate resembles a nettle: oval with a carved edge, have small hairs. Unlike nettle, it does not leave burns, it behaves friendly. The color scheme of green mass is mostly bright green, although there are gray specimens. The leaves are located on the stem alternately or oppositely, rarely whorls.

Flowers... The natural color is deep blue, in the 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 bottom to top, so the flowering is long. The lower ones form capsules with seeds, while the upper ones continue their flowering.

For their own, the people call the grass snake or Veronikova grass. In fiction, you can find the name "goat's face" or "blue". Some species are similar to forget-me-nots, so this name also stuck with Veronica.

All garden varieties are derived from wild species. The combination of decorative properties and natural endurance made the species the most numerous in the plantain family.

Types and varieties of Veronica with a description and photo

The prevalence across the globe made it possible to adapt to any natural and climatic conditions. Some species were named according to the place of growth, and varietal names are more reminiscent of a description of external signs. The remoteness of the places of domestication of Veronica gives an explanation for such significant species differences. There are low and tall plants, with a long erect stem or short up to 30 cm, shrub with a strong stem or herbaceous filiform stems.

Veronica armenian Veronica armena

With its blue flowers, it looks more like forget-me-nots, the same open five-leafed inflorescences. The mountain slopes and the sharp change in temperature have left their mark on the appearance of Veronica. The plant is undersized, creeping, the green mass fills the entire space of the flower bed. The needle-like leaves create the image of a fluffy carpet, where blue flowers glow in a bright pattern on top.

Armenian veronica grows up to 10 cm. This size allows it to withstand the wind, the small area of ​​the leaf plate does not allow moisture to evaporate quickly, protects it from fading in the sun. A wide variety of varieties allows you to choose the color scheme.

Veronica Caucasian Veronica caucasica

The leaves and stem are deep green, the lower part of the plant is darker than the upper one. The leaves are small, elongated with jagged edges. They are located in the axils in several pieces, scattered evenly along the stem. The flowers are pastel in color, mostly lilac or lilac with subtle purple veins. Rocky soil is well suited for cultivation, so the flower can be used in the design of alpine slides.

The small size is resistant to windy weather. Creeping strong stem quickly recovers from crushing, resistant to trampling. Does not tolerate chernozem soil, this is taken into account when preparing a flower bed.

Veronica large or broadleaf Veronica teucrium

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

The root system is strong, creeping, withstands winter low temperatures. The leaves are bilateral: 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 pink, lilac 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.

Veronica gentian Veronica gentianoides

Veronica gentian white cultivar Veronica gentianoides 'Tissington White' photo

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

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

Veronica woody Veronica surculosa

Veronica ligneous cultivar Veronica surculosa ‘Waterperry Blue’ photo

A plant with a strong, creeping stem that stiffens after winter. He loves well-drained soils, is not afraid of low temperatures, but in a harsh climate it is better to shelter from freezing.

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

Veronica Crimean Veronica taurica

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

Veronica filiform Veronica filiformis

It belongs to spring primroses, which bloom at the end of April and bloom before the onset of heat, until about mid-May. Best grown with a companion when foliage is the backdrop for vibrant annuals. It goes well with asters, annual dahlias, gerberas, better than undersized varieties.

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

Veronica gray Veronica incana

The most unusual among the Veronica. Its silvery leaves and stem will dilute the color scheme of the garden and add dynamics. The deep blue flowers are gathered in a high panicle at the top. It begins to bloom from July to the end of summer.

Veronica peduncle Veronica peduncularis

Veronica peduncle cultivar Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ photo

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

Veronica long-leaved Veronica longifolia

The species is characterized by tall bushes, up to 1.5 m, with a thin long stem, branching from above into several flower-bearing 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, on large plantations, decorating wild lawns.

Veronica officinalis Veronica officinalis

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

Veronica medicinal and long-leaved have not only decorative value, but also medicinal properties. They are used as an anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, choleretic agent. Prepare decoctions and drinks one-component and as part of the collection.

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

Veronica hybrid - a luxurious garden decoration

Veronica is an excellent ornamental plant that can be grown in the open field, both for the purpose of decorating a garden plot, and for medicinal purposes. Although Veronica belongs to the plantain family, it bears little resemblance to the 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 is a herbaceous rhizome 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, there are even filiform ones).

The plant is popularly known under 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 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 spike-shaped 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 possible flowering period of Veronica in your garden, you need to optimally combine the cultivation of several of its varieties, which differ in flowering time.

The species diversity of the plant makes it possible to choose the best option both for home conditions and for growing in the open field. The following varieties can be especially distinguished:

• Medicinal. Perennial soil plant with small pale green leaves and neat decorative flowers of lilac, pink and blue shades.

Medicinal veronica

• Long-leaved. Powerful tall plant (one of the tallest in the genus Veronica). The inflorescences of the plant are quite long, with a spectacular light purple color. Differs in 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-leaved veronica

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

Caucasian veronica

• Gentian. A low-growing plant with thin stems on which grow 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. A dwarf variety (up to a height of only 20 cm) 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 reproduction 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 shrub with full characteristics of the variety. Seeds can either be sown directly into the ground in the fall, or pre-prepared seedlings can be planted in the spring.

If sowing for seedlings is planned, the preparation of planting material should be started ahead of time. At the end of winter, the seeds must be wrapped in damp gauze and refrigerated for 25-30 days.

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

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

Adult plants reproduce easily by dividing the bush.

Dividing a bush is an easy way to get flower stalks in the first year after planting. It is important to choose the right sprouts. The bush should be the tallest and healthiest. Separate some shoots and plant them in the ground. Be sure to cover them with special material. After 10-12 days, remove it and continue growing the plant as usual.

Propagation by cuttings will make it possible to successfully grow Veronica from a small shoot about 10 cm long.

Planting plants in open ground

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

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

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

The subtleties of plant care

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

Veronica is rarely affected by pests

Watering and feeding mode

First of all, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the soil in the area where the plant is grown: it should never dry out (dry soil is practically death for Veronica). During a drought period, 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, trim the tops of Veronica.

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 very much).

As for fertilizers, Veronica certainly needs them, but feeding 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 feeding only at the end of spring. If you are a resident of a region in which winters are rather harsh, 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 hover near 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. The only exception can be considered only some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and gray rot. It is possible to get rid of these diseases with the help of either chemical preparations, such as "Oxyhom" or copper sulfate, or biological analogues that will be completely safe for animals and humans.

Sometimes aphids may "visit" Veronica growing in the garden. If there is not too much of it, you do not need to worry: the plant is able to independently cope with the pest insect.

Veronica in landscape design

The combination of Veronica with other plants

Veronica is often used as a wonderful 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 a sense of ease and lightness. Veronica is suitable for growing near curbs, where not every plant is able to survive.

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

Advice. If you are willing to take the risk for a spectacular garden plot, try contrasting combinations, such as veronica and a rose. The result is a winning composition in which each element is beautifully emphasized by the other.

That's all the subtleties that need to be considered when growing Veronica in the open field. Good luck!

Veronica's landing: video

When the beginning of the day started with positive feelings, then the whole working day is transferred faster and more positively. The maintenance of plants is a desirable hobby for many, which gives positive feelings not only to relatives but also to many neighbors. A flower garden is a worthy decoration for every design. Walking next to a flower garden, it is impossible not to direct your gaze to some amazing bush. And many come to the idea, and maybe think and buy a garden?

Veronica spicata (Veronica spicata) Herbaceous perennial with long and dense apical racemes of bright blue, pink, purple, white flowers, green foliage. Max. height up to 40 cm. Flowering period: mid-June-July (blooms 2-3 weeks). After flowering, the shoots are cut off, the bush is renewed due to the new growth of the leaves. Unpretentious, drought-resistant, photophilous, prefers any loose, garden soil with the addition of gravel, does not tolerate waterlogging, decorative until frost, frost-hardy, hibernates without shelter. Propagated by seeds (in autumn), dividing the bush (in spring), stem cuttings (tops of young shoots). It can be used on rocky slides, in mixborders, in single plantings. Spikelet Veronica, or spikelet (Andreev's cross, Andreev's grass). There are many garden varieties. Veronica spicata "Dwarf rose" (Veronica spicata "Rosa Zwerg") is more hygrophilous. Occurs in forest glades, forests of steppe regions.

Veronica longifolia (Veronica longifolia) Belongs to one of the highest species of Veronica. The specific name is formed from the Latin words longus ("long") and folium ("leaf"). A tall perennial plant, rising up to 50-120 cm (sometimes even higher), with a narrow, long, straight raceme of blue (purple) flowers up to 25 cm long. Stem (one or more) erect, usually branched under inflorescences. Varieties with large inflorescences, white or blue flowers of various shades have been bred. Blooms from late June to September. Especially good in a flower garden - in combination with other flowers of white and yellow colors. Moisture-loving. General natural area: Europe, Caucasus, Siberia, Far East, Mongolia, China, Korea, Japan, Central Asia. Grows on rich soils of wet, swampy meadows, coastal areas; enters damp forest edges, bushes. As a rule, this species of Veronica occurs singly. Its rhizome is creeping, long.

Veronica Dubravnaya (Veronica chamaedrys) In different regions of Russia, Veronica Dubravnaya was called Dubrovka, Myrrh, forget-me-not (V. Dal). Herbaceous perennial with opposite, oblong-ovate leaves; pure blue or blue with dark veins (sometimes pink) flowers, 10-15 mm in diameter, collected in axillary racemose inflorescences. The stem and leaves are covered with dense pubescence. It is undersized, at best it can reach a height of 30 cm. Its flowers are small, but so bright blue, as if they have absorbed the piercing blue of the sky. Blooms profusely from late May to early July. Suffers trampling quite steadily. Can be used as a decoration for variegated natural lawns that are not regularly mowed. Homeland - Europe, Asia (Turkey, Greece, China, Iran), North America. It is found in light forests, on forest edges, clearings, as well as in parks and gardens, usually grows in large clumps. Propagated by shoots from rhizomes and ground rooting shoots.

Veronica stelleri. Found in the mountains of the Far East, China, Japan. A low, graceful plant, 5-25 cm tall, with a stem crowned at the top with a short, almost capitate inflorescence that elongates during fruiting. The leaves are serrate-serrate along the edge. The flowers are blue-violet, about 8 mm in diameter. Suitable for rock gardens, mixborders, flower beds.

Veronica schmidtiana grows in the Far East, Japan. Perennial low plant 10-15 cm tall, with blue flowers about 15 mm in diameter, usually collected in apical inflorescences (may be axillary). Blooms in late May for 3-4 weeks. Suitable for growing in a rock garden. Varieties and forms are known: purple flowers with white stripes; white flowers with purple stripes; narrow-linear shape with purple leaves.

Armenian Veronica (Veronica armena Boiss. Et Huet.) Originally from Asia Minor. Woody rhizome perennial, forming a thickened turf, 5-10 cm high with threadlike leaves, blue, purple or pink flowers 0.5 cm in diameter. Stems 5 to 10 cm long, ascending or recumbent, numerous, thin, woody from the base, scabrous from short pubescence. The most unpretentious species, deservedly in demand among gardeners. Decorative in numerous plantings in areas where there are corners of wildlife, where the natural landscape is preserved. Suitable for lawns, alpine slides, terraces, for covering the free surface in areas. Fragrant, very drought-resistant, original, even with its strongly dissected leaves, blooms only once. The substrates are extremely alkaline, stony, with a small amount of well-fertilized clay or river silt. It propagates well by dividing rhizomes, seeds. Blooms in early to mid-summer. In the middle lane, the seeds ripen late.

Veronica broad-leaved, or large (Veronica teucrium L. = Veronica austriaca) Wildly grows in the European part of our country, in the Caucasus, Western Siberia, Central Asia, Western Europe, the Mediterranean. Perennial plant with erect or ascending stems, with bright blue, pinkish or white flowers, collected in dense racemose inflorescences up to 7 cm long. Blooms from late May 40-45 days. Adult plants form dense spherical bushes up to 25 cm tall. During flowering plant height is up to 60 cm. Good for planting mixborders, for cutting. It hibernates without shelter, is hygrophilous, but drought-resistant. There are garden varieties and forms.

Veronica bushy, or branched (Veronica fruticans Jacq.) In natural conditions, it lives on rocky, stony places, especially on the limestone slopes in the mountains of Europe (except for Eastern Europe and the Balkans). Slow growing species of Veronica, with bright blue flowers, reddish girdle at the base of the calyx on long pedicels, collected in racemose inflorescences. Plants with pink flowers are less common. Flowering in early summer. Suitable for planting on rocky terraces, grows in partial shade. Forms low, sometimes high (5-10 cm) cushion thickets. Develops on non-acidic, sandy loam soil, preferably in partial shade, does not tolerate overheating. Winter-hardy, but still desirable preventive cover with spruce branches.

Gentian Veronica (Veronica gentianoides Vahl.) Grows naturally in the middle, southern regions of the European part of Russia, Crimea, the Caucasus, Asia Minor. Low, herbaceous plants forming cushion bushes up to 45 cm tall; with pale blue or whitish flowers with dark blue veins up to 1 cm in diameter in racemose inflorescences. Blooms in late May-early June (2-3 weeks). Suitable for planting on terraces of large rockeries, in the foregrounds of mixborders, for creating curtains. Decorative until frost. Moisture-loving, but drought-resistant, winter-hardy without shelter, grows on any soil. Most rosette leaves overwinter, young leaves appear in May. Propagated vegetatively, by rhizome areas. The “Nana” variety was bred - a dwarf version of gentian Veronica with a height of no more than 10 cm, with a peduncle of 20-30 cm. And from it the “Variegata” variety. Leaves are white-bordered, very bright, even with a pink border in spring. The height of the turf is 10-15 cm ...

Woody Veronica, or escaping (Veronica surculosa Boiss. Et bal.) Found in the alpine meadows of Asia Minor. A perennial creeping plant, covered with gray pubescence, with pink flowers, 4 to 5 cm high. Creeping, strongly leafy stems form a beautiful gray-green carpet. Blossoming - May-July. Suitable for rockeries, rocky slides. Drought-resistant. Hardy with good drainage and mulching, in snowless winters it can freeze out, preferably a shelter with coniferous spruce branches. It develops successfully in dry, sunny places. Requires loose sandy loam soils.

Veronica Crimean (Veronica taurica) In the wild, Veronica grows in the Crimea, on the rocky slopes of the mountains. The plant is endemic, rare, low (10-30 cm high). Leaves are bright green, linear-lanceolate, almost entire. Flowers in axillary multi-flowered racemes, corolla light blue or blue. Suitable for growing in rock gardens. Prefers open, sunny places. Blooms in the first half of summer, from May to July. Propagated vegetatively and by seeds. Variety "" Crater Lake Blue "differs from the species in blue flowers.

Veronica officinalis (Veronica officinalis L.) Perennial herbaceous creeping plant with lavender flowers up to 6-7 mm in diameter in short, more or less dense racemes located in the axils of the upper stem leaves. Stems are quite numerous, reaching up to 20 cm per season, recumbent, spreading, forming a dense low mat up to 7-10 cm in height. Blooms from June to September. The seeds ripen in July-September. can be sown before winter or spring, blooms for 2 years. It is grown in rock gardens, as an ornamental leafy plant among ground cover plants. Drought and trampling resistant. When planting among ground cover, one should take into account the ability to grow rapidly and its high competitiveness. Can be planted in relatively poor, better sandy soils, in completely open areas or in partial shade. The specific name of this species indicates the presence of medicinal properties. Distributed in Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor. Grows in forests, forest glades. It belongs to the number of pioneer plants in fresh clearings. It is found quite often in the form of small thickets. Thin creeping rhizome; the ground part is pressed to the ground.

Veronica thyme-leaved (Veronica serpyllifolia) Has a wide range, grows almost throughout Russia. Perennial plant, 10-25 cm high, with creeping stems rooting at the bottom. Leaves are small (5-10 mm long), opposite, ovate or almost round, obtuse at the apex, entire or toothed. The upper leaves gradually pass into the bracts, therefore the apical loose brush is not sharply limited from the leafy part of the stem. Corolla 3-4 mm in diameter, whitish with dark veins or bluish, wheel-like.

Veronica filiformis (Veronica filiformis) Widespread in the mountain meadows of Europe. Perennial low plant, only 3-5 cm, with single blue flowers with dark veins, rising on long legs from axillary leaves. There are forms with pale blue and white flowers. Blooms in April-June. Thin, long, creeping stems touch the ground and take root, resulting in large, light green carpets, especially in wet areas. Suitable for growing on lawns, alpine slides, as well as terraced rockeries and anchoring slopes. Absolutely unpretentious, sometimes aggressive, often becomes a weed on lawns. Good for making carpets. Moisture-loving, but drought-resistant. Hardy, but in snowless winters it partially freezes out, after which it quickly recovers. Most effective on poor dry soils in partial shade.

Siberian Veronica (Veronica sibirica) In the wild, Veronica is found only in Eastern Siberia, the Far East, grows in forests, meadows. Tall slender plant (40-150 cm tall) with strong unbranched stems. Oblong-lanceolate, rather large leaves are arranged in layers of 3-9 in a whorl. Small blue flowers are collected in long apical spike-shaped inflorescences (up to 30 cm long), single (sometimes there may be several). The calyx is five-part. Corolla with a long tube and a bend, the petals are blue, can be pink or white. Grown in gardens and parks, in open areas. During the flowering period, the Veronica siberian curtain has a healthy and strong appearance, the plants "stand like a wall", attracting a lot of bees and bumblebees. Requires almost no maintenance, propagated by dividing the bush.

Alpine Veronica (Veronica alpina) Alpine Veronica grows in the mountains almost throughout Eurasia, on alpine, subalpine meadows, damp river banks, streams, rocks, pebbles. A perennial plant with purple flowers in a few-flowered apical capitate racemes. Plant height - up to 25 cm, thin, creeping shoots, covered with soft hairs. The upper leaves are alternate, the rest are opposite, ovoid.

Veronica verna (Veronica verna) Grow on slopes, roadsides, dry slopes. Annuals, biennials with pinkish-blue or pale blue flowers with blue stripes, in elongated apical and lateral multiflorous dense spike-shaped racemes, later elongating and looser.

Veronica sajanensis Grows in the highlands in subalpine and alpine meadows, less often in the tundra. Krasnoyarsk region. Tuva. Endemic. Stems erect, 40-70 cm tall, with pale blue flowers, collected in a dense cylindrical apical raceme.

Veronica tubiflora (Veronica tubiflora) Lives in meadows and among bushes. General distribution: East Asia. Perennial up to 60 cm tall. Stems are simple, furrowed, glabrous. Leaves are alternate, less often opposite, sessile, linear or linear-lanceolate, 3-7 cm long, 2-5 mm wide, wedge-shaped at the base, sharp at the apex. The inflorescence is apical, spike-shaped, up to 30 cm long. The flowers are blue, up to 8 mm long, with a tube 3-4 times longer than the limb.

Veronica virginica (Veronica / Veronicastrum virginica / Leptandra virginica) Homeland - East of North America. Plants up to 130 cm tall. The bush is resistant. The leaves are lanceolate, juicy green, whorled. The flowers are white or blue, collected in a paniculate inflorescence up to 15 cm long. Blooms from June to August. In culture since 1714.

Australian Veronica (Veronica plebeia) Southeast Australia. Perennial up to 30 cm tall, with blue small flowers, collected in apical inflorescences. A sprawling shoot with creeping branches. Heart-shaped leaves with sharply dissected edges.

Veronica allionii with small purple flowers, collected in apical inflorescences.

Austrian Veronica (Veronica austriaca) with bright blue star-shaped flowers in 2-4 lateral, elongated, single or opposite racemes emerging from the axils of the upper leaves, 20-50 cm high. Drought-resistant. Suitable for lawns and alpine slides, rockeries terraces.

Veronica biloba (Veronica biloba) with light blue flower racemes, elongated, loose, few-flowered.

Veronica calycina (Veronica calycina) with small blue flowers, collected in apical inflorescences.

Veronica ciliate (Veronica ciliata) with blue flowers in the apical short few-flowered racemes.

Veronica daurica (Veronica daurica) with white flowers in the apical racemes, single or several.

Veronica densiflora with blue flowers in the apical dense rounded racemes, elongating after flowering.

Veronica filamentous (Veronica filifolia) with thin clusters of milky white flowers with blue veins, pillow-shaped perennial.

Veronica formosa with bluish-lilac flowers.

Veronica graceful (Veronica gracilis) with single blue flowers.

Veronica grandiflora (Veronica grandiflora) with bright blue flowers, collected in few-flowered inflorescences.

Gray-haired Veronica (Veronica incana) is a whitish-tomentose-pubescent plant with narrow dense spike-shaped clusters of flowers. There are garden varieties and forms. Drought-resistant, winter-hardy without shelter. Suitable for lawns and alpine slides.

Veronica linseed (Veronica linariifolia) with blue flowers in the apical, dense and long, single brushes, less often in the axils of the upper leaves lateral brushes are formed.

Veronica large-scaled (Veronica macrostemon) with blue-violet flowers, collected in apical, capitate racemes, by the end of flowering, significantly elongating.

Veronica maximowicziana with whitish flowers with lilac veins, collected in apical brushes.

Snow Veronica (Veronica nivea) with pale blue or white small flowers, collected in drooping apical inflorescences.

Veronica pinnata (Veronica pinnata) with light blue, sometimes white or pinkish flowers in apical, sparse, long pointed racemes, 5-25 cm long.

Veronica Polozhiae (Veronica polozhiae) with pale pink or whitish flowers on long pedicels, located 1-3 in the axils of one of the opposite leaves.

Veronica porphyriana (Veronica porphyriana) with dark blue almost sessile flowers in the apical dense racemes 3-8 cm long and 1.5-2 cm thick, lengthening when flowering.

Veronica creeping (Veronica repens) is an excellent plant for sodding the soil under trees with small pale blue flowers (there are forms with white and pink flowers).

Stony Veronica (Veronica schistosa) with pale blue flowers in a long brush. Drought-resistant.

Veronica scutellata (Veronica scutellata) with pale blue or pinkish flowers on very thin long pedicels, collected in very loose brushes, are formed one by one in the axil of one of the opposite leaves.

Veronica sessiliflora (Veronica sessiliflora) with light blue almost sessile flowers, collected in apical, single dense brushes.

Veronica fake (Veronica spuria) with blue or blue flowers, collected in the apical and lateral brushes, forming a paniculate-racemose inflorescence.

Garden plants

Veronica. Planting and leaving

How to grow veronica in the country, in the garden

Veronica. Growing and caring

Care. unpretentious, caring for her is simple. Planting and flowering dates: blooms in May. This plant is planted in spring, summer and autumn. Frost resistance: tolerates winter well.

Veronica. general description

Veronica is a perennial herb. It is common in European countries, Siberia and the Far East. Veronica is a rhizome plant. It is represented by many species, which differ significantly among themselves in height, shape, color and arrangement of leaves, color of flowers, timing of flowering.

Veronica creeping blooms from the second half of May. The plant is undersized. It has small light blue, white or pink flowers that form cluster inflorescences and small green leaves.

Veronica Dubravnaya blooms from late May to early June. This is a stunted species of Veronica. The plant has small bright blue flowers form cluster inflorescences. Leaves are diverse - they can be ovoid, pinnately dissected, heart-shaped.

The prostrate veronica blooms from May to July. It belongs to undersized plants. Her leaves are narrow, long, and the flowers form lush inflorescences-brushes of white, light blue, pink, blue color.

Veronica Stellera blooms at the end of May. The plant is undersized. The leaves have a serrated edge, and the blue and purple flowers are collected in cluster inflorescences that resemble heads.

Veronica Schmidta blooms from late May to late June. This species of undersized Veronica has small leaves. The flowers are varied in color (white with purple strokes, purple with white strokes) and form dense cluster inflorescences.

Veronica broadleaf blooms in late May and continues to bloom throughout June. She belongs to the medium-sized species. Its leaves are ovoid or cordate with a serrated edge. Bright blue, pink and white flowers form opposite cluster inflorescences.

Veronica gentian begins to bloom in late May and continues until early June. It belongs to tall plants. Her leaves are oval, often with a white border. The flowers are light blue, pale blue with blue veins, form cluster inflorescences.

Veronica. Varieties

The different types of Veronica come in many varieties. The most popular hybrid varieties of this plant are presented in table.

Table. Types and varieties of Veronica

Veronica

Many of us in the forest or in the meadow more than once met Veronica - cute plants with blue or blue inflorescences. Probably because some types of Veronica are widespread in nature, they are not often found in gardens. However, on the basis of wild plants, many wonderful varieties of Veronica have been created, as well as their hybrids, which are just asking for our mixborders and alpine slides. There are also many rare species of Veronica that can decorate the collections of many sophisticated florists. In this article, I will not be able to tell about all Veronica, since there are about three hundred species of them, but I would like to draw your attention to those that, in my opinion, are worthy of wider recognition by flower growers. There are several versions why the plant was named Veronica. One of the legends says that it got its name in honor of St. Veronica. Saint Veronica is a woman who gave Jesus, who was going to Golgotha, a cloth to wipe the sweat from his face. The face of the Savior remained on the fabric. After the invention of photography, by papal decree, Saint Veronica was declared the patroness of photography and photographers.

Veronica is considered one of the most beautiful among the flowers of Veronica. It is a long-lived perennial with thick shoots up to fifty, and sometimes up to seventy centimeters in height, on which oppositely located ovoid, serrated leaves, pubescent below. The varietal Veronica is large, with a rare planting, the shoots form a beautiful dense, almost domed dark green bush. From the end of May to almost mid-July, the top of the bush-dome becomes dazzling blue due to the numerous blossoming flowers, from about seventy millimeters to one and a half centimeters, collected in dense racemose inflorescences up to fifteen centimeters long. Due to the beauty of the inflorescences, Veronica is often called the Royal Veronica.

Growing Veronica:

Royal Veronica can be grown in almost any garden drained soil, but it gives preference to loam. The plant is light-requiring, but it grows tolerably and develops in partial shade. Loves abundant watering, but can tolerate short droughts and absolutely does not tolerate soil locking in the cold season. It hibernates without shelter, withstands frosts up to forty degrees below zero.

Veronica is most often propagated by seeds - it is not difficult to grow it from seeds. If there are not many seeds, it is advisable to sow them for seedlings. Having grown even one big bush of Veronica, you will be able to collect and sow your seeds in the future - their plant ties well, they ripen in September. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground in fall or spring. Veronica large is also often propagated by dividing the bush: they do it either in the spring, as soon as the plant starts to grow, or in the autumn periods, September-early October. Experienced flower growers propagate royal veronica with green cuttings, which are cut from the tops of young spring shoots before flowering.

Usually Veronica big is planted in a mixborder, where it perfectly sets off plants with large and bright flowers. However, I believe that the beauty of the Royal Veronica is more expressive if she grows solo, for example on the lawn. Inflorescences of Veronica large can also be used for cutting.

Another rather large and not very well-known species is Veronica gentian or Veronica Kemularia. This plant has leathery, thick, rounded-lanceolate leaves up to fifteen centimeters long, collected in basal rosettes. The variegated form of Gentian Veronica - Variegata is especially good. Over time, whole clumps of such unconnected outlets are formed. Most of the leaves from the rosettes overwinter, and new ones begin to grow in the period from April to May. A little later, peduncles from thirty to eighty centimeters high, rarely covered with small leaves, appear above the rosettes. At the end of May, graceful brushes of rather large, like for Veronica, about a centimeter in diameter, white-blue flowers with blue veins, bloom on the peduncles. Veronica gentian blooms for two to three weeks until mid-June.

Veronica gentian is a long-rhizome plant. When, after flowering, young daughter rosettes are formed at the ends of the stolons, the mother plant dies off. Therefore, in winter, several independent outlets leave.

Veronica Kemularia is unpretentious: she is photophilous, but it will grow in partial shade without any problems. It develops well on almost any well-drained soil, including limestone. Since this veronica grows wild in wet mountain meadows, do not forget to water it in the garden.

Veronica gentian seeds are propagated vegetatively. They can be sown before winter or in spring directly into open ground or sown in spring for seedlings. And you can also cut off a piece of rhizome with roots in spring or autumn and plant it in a new place.

Veronica gentian is planted in the foregrounds of mixborders, separate clumps are created from plants, large rockeries are decorated with it, especially those that are near water bodies.

Veronica plant: types, varieties, care

Veronica belongs to the most ancient medicinal plants, the beauty of which was not immediately appreciated by gardeners. It has been cultivated as a remedy for diseases of the stomach, kidneys and lungs since the Middle Ages, but it began to be used as a decoration for flower beds much later. But breeders have made up for lost centuries in full, breeding many varieties that flaunt interesting shapes and offer a wide selection of different plant sizes. Veronica is so firmly entrenched in the flower garden as a companion plant that it is almost impossible to imagine colorful ensembles filled with halftones and openwork without her. Along with such unpretentious crops as catnip and sage. Veronica allows you to simplify the maintenance of the garden as much as possible and, accordingly, will save the owners' time, allowing them to fully enjoy their rest. But Veronica has one advantage over similar in structure herbaceous perennials: she flaunts slender, elegant lines and creates a more delicate texture of the background, which makes it possible to lift soloists on flower beds in a more elegant frame.

Veronica, whose beauty was rightfully appreciated and loved, today is a vast genus of plants of various heights and intensity of color. Veronica is considered one of the main unpretentious herbaceous perennials with a color in blue tones, bringing depth, intimacy, coolness and tranquility to flower beds. The species diversity of Veronica is quite large. Among the plants with this name, there are compact, low-growing species, such as Veronica broad-leaved or Veronica gentian, and tall perennials that reach 1 meter in height (for example, Veronica long-leaved). On sale today there is also a plant with the name "Veronica Virginia", which is actually a completely different species, albeit similar to Veronica in the structure of thin small-flowered inflorescences, candles and narrow leaves - Veronicastrum Virginia. This plant is only suitable for creating a high background of a flower garden, because it often reaches more than 1.5 meters in height. This perennial is also unpretentious and hardy, like all Veronica, but it is a much larger plant.

The best species of Veronica belongs to Veronica long-leaved, which adorns flower beds in July with graceful fluffy conical inflorescences (the plant reaches 80 cm in height); Veronica spikelet with larger and denser inflorescences in the form of openwork flowering candles, which bloom in early summer (all varieties of spikelet veronica do not exceed 30 cm in height and can be used as ground covers); the same height Veronica is broad-leaved with bright thin inflorescences and larger leaves, which looks very good in borders.

According to the color palette, the vast majority of Veronica are blue-flowered, but among the many new hybrid varieties, if you wish, you can find very original plants with white inflorescences or representing a more noble and bright purple gamut. In color, Veronica can be either pale, muted, or the brightest. A rich blue is found in Veronica broadleaf, which has slightly larger inflorescences. The most striking, in particular, belongs to the "Knallblau" variety with a bright ultramarine color. The pink-colored variety of Veronica spikelet "Baby Doll" or the purple variety "Rotfuchs", flaunting with delicate short-rounded inflorescences, the variety of Veronica long-leaved "Pink Damask", will easily compete with him in imposingness and variegation.

Regardless of species, variety and growth, Veronica is always a companion plant that will demonstrate itself as an accompanying crop as an irreplaceable and unpretentious perennial. Veronics have a unique ability to gracefully and unobtrusively fit even into an already formed flower garden, where they are called upon to fill the voids. Thanks to slender silhouettes and graceful lines, any garden ensemble Veronica not only complements, but makes it even more interesting in shape, texture, colors. Creating the effect of an inner glow in a duet with plants blooming in warm colors, Veronica is great for creating optical effects.

Veronica is widely used in landscape design. If you plant several varieties side by side with different dates, then the flowering of Veronica can be extended from May to the end of September. Low-growing species and varieties are appropriate not only in the foreground of a flower garden, but also in borders, on alpine hills and in rockeries. But tall, in addition to the traditional role of accompaniment, will feel great in mixborder tapes. Veronica, despite the status of a classic flowerbed herbaceous perennial, unexpectedly elegantly looks in the design of reservoirs, in particular, ponds. It goes well with lilies, daylilies, yarrow, meadowsweet, loosestrife and cornflower. Like the catnip, Veronica can be used as an accompanying partner for roses, both flower beds and larger ones. Modest candle-shaped inflorescences-spikelets surprisingly gracefully emphasize the luxury of roses, as if shading the queen of the garden with an openwork veil with beautiful details: pointed leaves, thin inflorescences. Veronica is one of the favorite plants of bees and bumblebees. It can be grown in pots, both in solo batches and in prefabricated compositions. Best of all, Veronica spikelet shows herself in the role of a potter. This type of Veronica, like long-leaved, is suitable for cutting.

Veronica is very easy to care for. This plant grows well in sunny areas, but in terms of other parameters, the requirements of different species differ. So, Veronica broadleaf prefers dry soil and does not like waterlogging, and long-leaved, on the contrary, grows well even in conditions of excessive watering. Top dressing is applied for Veronica growing on insufficiently nutritious soils, only once every few years. You do not need to water Veronica on the flower garden. All Veronica are perennials, resistant to lodging, rarely sick and not susceptible to diseases and pests. The only threat to plant health is downy mildew, which can appear in varieties that do not like waterlogging during prolonged rains and high air temperatures. If the disease manifests itself, the shoots should be completely removed and, if possible, sprayed with insecticides. It is very easy to propagate Veronica: it is enough to dig a bush and divide it with a shovel into several shares. Division is best done in early spring or August.