Veronica spicata ‘Sightseeing’
SPIKE SPEEDWELL MIX
Veronica spicata ‘Sightseeing’ has tapering spires in a mix of white, cream, pink, salmon-pink or blues.
Tapering spires in a mix of colours
Veronica spicata ‘Sightseeing’ provides very showy plants, with flower spires approx. 60cm. high.
Exceptionally long blooming
In a continuous display all through summer & autumn.
And the spires really catch attention as they stand tall, forming dense columns of colour in the summer.
They make brilliant vertical accents, and for such a very long time with months of bloom.
Exceptional cut flowers for florists
The flower spires also make excellent fresh cut flowers, as they are long lasting in the vase and such elegant tapers in floral arrangements.
Good in dry & heat
Plant Veronica longifolia ‘Alba’ in Full Sun. Though it can also tolerate some Partial Shade as long as it is not damp shade and is well aired.
It revels in good drainage. So it is right at home in sandy soil, gravel or rocky soil, as well as garden loam. It also appreciates lime and some fertilizer in spring.
However do not be too generous with the feed, particularly in good soil, as it flowers better and has even stronger, more compact growth if it does it a little tough.
Drought resistant & water-wise
Hardy Veronica spicata ‘Sightseeing’ are drought resistant plants, water-wise and needing very little supplementary water.
So they will keep on smiling through periods of heat and dry.
Equally tough in frost
And ‘Sightseeing’ plants are equally resistant to hard frosts because they can tolerate temperatures down to at least -20C and well below, depending on conditions.
Magnet for bees, butterflies & other insect friends
Bees and butterflies are drawn to irresistibly to Veronica spicata ‘Sightseeing’, because of abundant nectar.
Provides such a reliable food supply for our flying friends, because of the exceptionally long and consistent blooming.
Through months when many other plants have given up blooming in the heat.
But no friend to rabbits and deer
Thankfully the flavour of Veronica is not appealing to our nibbling foes.
Low care & easy maintenance
Veronica spicata ‘Sightseeing’ is an evergreen perennial.
The only work to keep it growing perfectly is to cut back the spent flower stems at the end of the season, right back to the base of evergreen foliage.
Spike Speedwell is rarely if ever troubled by pests or diseases. Though mildew may occur if it is kept too damp or without good air flow.
60cm. High spires of long tapering pure white x 45cm. Wide low clump of evergreen foliage.
SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids
Sow all year in punnets indoors / scatter in the garden in spring or autumn.
INDOORS: First sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then pat gently to the surface to ensure good contact.
Now barely cover the seed with sieved mix / vermiculite / or fine sandy grit.
Because these seeds need light to germinate, so do not bury them.
Now thoroughly moisten the sown punnet by standing in a shallow water bath.
And allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface from below.
Then place the punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in direct sun).
You can use a heat mat if you have one, or a warm window sill (out of the sun).
Temperatures of 18-22C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.
Continue to keep moist by misting from a spray water bottle as required.
Covering the punnet with a clear plastic lid also helps top maintain consistent moisture.
Seedlings emerge in approx. 14-28 days.
SEED COUNT: 150 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve).
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