Veronica longifolia 'Charlotte' (PBR)
speedwell
Brightening the summer border with both flowers and foliage, Veronica longifolia 'Charlotte' combines elegant white flower spikes with striking cream-edged green leaves for a fresh, uplifting display. Slender, upright stems carry masses of tubular blooms through summer, bringing height, structure and valuable contrast among more colourful perennials.
Its tidy, clump-forming habit makes it a great choice for sunny borders, cottage garden planting and wildlife-friendly schemes, where it thrives in well-drained soil and mixes easily with grasses and late-flowering companions. With good resistance to mildew and a long season of interest, this reliable speedwell is easy to grow and rewarding to maintain.
Simply trim spent flower spikes after flowering to encourage a further flush of blooms later in the season, extending colour well into late summer or early autumn. It will tolerate light shade, but the best flower display and strongest variegation develop in full sun.
Its tidy, clump-forming habit makes it a great choice for sunny borders, cottage garden planting and wildlife-friendly schemes, where it thrives in well-drained soil and mixes easily with grasses and late-flowering companions. With good resistance to mildew and a long season of interest, this reliable speedwell is easy to grow and rewarding to maintain.
Simply trim spent flower spikes after flowering to encourage a further flush of blooms later in the season, extending colour well into late summer or early autumn. It will tolerate light shade, but the best flower display and strongest variegation develop in full sun.
How to care for Veronica longifolia Charlotte (PBR):
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Before planting, incorporate some garden compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to help retain moisture while maintaining good drainage.
Water regularly during the first growing season until established, particularly during prolonged dry spells. Once settled in, plants are relatively low maintenance, although they will perform best if the soil does not dry out completely for long periods.
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. A mulch of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant will help conserve moisture and improve soil structure.
Remove faded flower spikes as they finish to encourage a second flush of blooms later in the season. In autumn or late winter, cut back old stems to just above ground level before new growth emerges.
Divide congested clumps every few years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour and keep plants flowering freely. Staking is rarely required, but plants growing in rich soil or more shaded positions may benefit from light support.
Water regularly during the first growing season until established, particularly during prolonged dry spells. Once settled in, plants are relatively low maintenance, although they will perform best if the soil does not dry out completely for long periods.
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. A mulch of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant will help conserve moisture and improve soil structure.
Remove faded flower spikes as they finish to encourage a second flush of blooms later in the season. In autumn or late winter, cut back old stems to just above ground level before new growth emerges.
Divide congested clumps every few years in spring or autumn to maintain vigour and keep plants flowering freely. Staking is rarely required, but plants growing in rich soil or more shaded positions may benefit from light support.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
