Digging deeperPlant Library

Spike Speedwell in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

An easy to grow and virtually maintenance-free variety, producing tall flower spikes ranging from pink-violet to purple, massed over a mound of fresh green foliage; makes an ideal garden accent, great in rock gardens

Ornamental Features

Spike Speedwell has masses of beautiful spikes of pink flowers with purple overtones rising above the foliage from early to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its narrow leaves remain forest green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Spike Speedwell is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Spike Speedwell is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Spike Speedwell will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 15 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 8 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.