Unpretentious attractive plant - veronica, known for its medicinal properties. It relieves inflammation well, stimulates digestion, pacifies pain, saturates the body with vitamins. In ornamental gardening, Veronica is valued for its gentle flowering in blue tones and the undemanding nature of the flower for care. Some types of Veronica are excellent honey plants.

Name

The genus Veronica (Veronica) has about 300 species of plants belonging to the Plantain family. These are annual or perennial herbaceous plants, widely distributed throughout the world in areas with a temperate and cold climate.

Description

Veronica has a creeping branched rhizome, the stems are straight single or branched, often spread along the ground. There are species with pubescent stems and foliage. The height of plants can be only a few centimeters (veronica tiny), and up to one and a half meters (veronica long-leaved). There are species - semi-shrubs.

Veronica flowers of various shades of blue and blue, less often - white and pink, are collected in spike-shaped, umbellate or paniculate inflorescences.

Kinds

In ornamental gardening, several varieties of speedwells are popular. Below you can see a photo of Veronica's flowers.

Veronica spikelet. A common perennial variety of Veronica, growing in our country along the edges of the forest, in meadows and fields. The height of the veronica stems reaches 40 cm, the tops are crowned with dense inflorescences - spikelets and tassels, up to 12 cm long. The flowers are small, bright blue, white or pink. Veronica spikelet begins to bloom in June, the duration of flowering is up to 1.5 months. The plant has not only decorative qualities, but is also medicinal. Interesting varieties:

Veronica officinalis. Herbaceous perennial, up to 20 cm high, with light green foliage. The flowers are pale blue, collected in racemes. Blooms from June to autumn.

Speedwell filiform. Ground cover perennial, forming a spectacular green carpet with small white-blue simple flowers. The plant grows well in the shade, on poor rocky soil. An ideal flower for a rock garden or rockery.

Attention! It grows very quickly, clogging neighboring plants. Without proper care, it quickly becomes a weed!

Veronica big. Plant with erect stems, up to 70 cm in height. The flowers are bright blue, sitting in apical racemose inflorescences. Blooms in May, may re-bloom in late summer. Requires tying stems to supports and pruning faded shoots. Varieties:

Veronica Armenian. A low-growing variety suitable for rock garden. The pubescent veronica bushes form dense sods, with blue or lilac fragrant flowers. Flowering occurs in June.

Veronica gray-haired. A lush bush grows up to 40 cm in height. The leaves are silvery-green, densely covered with hairs. Inflorescences - brushes are long, consist of a large number of blue small flowers. Blooms in the second half of summer.

Veronica prostrate. A low-growing variety of a plant that forms a dense carpet of greyish-green foliage. The peduncles of the plant are raised, covered with simple flowers of delicate shades (blue, purple). Varieties with white flowers (Alba) and pink (Rose) have been bred. Veronica is winter-hardy, undemanding to the soil.

Growing conditions

Veronica grows well in sunny areas, but tolerates shade. Low-growing varieties (veronica filiform) are planted in near-stem circles of trees and shrubs, where they feel good and bloom profusely. In addition to their decorative role, ground covers act as a natural mulch, protecting the earth from drying out and overheating.

Flowers are undemanding to soils, easily adapting to poor sandstones and heavy clay. It is worth avoiding only waterlogged places, with stagnation of spring meltwater. In this case, the roots of the perennial may rot. It is advisable to introduce drainage (crushed stone, sand) into such soil and arrange grooves to drain water.

Veronica care consists in providing watering during the flowering period and pruning wilted flower stalks.
Veronica is rarely affected by pests and diseases.

You can notice on it or other pests that are dealt with by folk remedies (an infusion of garlic, onion peel or celandine) or chemicals (Intavir).

For the winter, the plants do not cover, they only cut off the aerial part at ground level.

reproduction

Veronica is propagated by seeds, root division and cuttings.

It is convenient to sow seeds before winter in October. The bed is prepared from loose (with a large proportion of sand), weed-free soil.

Spring sowing of veronica is possible, after the mandatory processing of seeds with cold (stratification). Veronica seeds are placed in a damp cloth and put in the refrigerator, in the vegetable compartment, for a month and a half. After, the seeds are placed in seedling boxes, in loose soil from a mixture of sand, peat and garden soil. Small seeds are not buried, but only lightly sprinkled with soil.

Veronica seedlings are moderately watered, avoiding waterlogging of the soil. The temperature is maintained at +16 +18 degrees. Young plants are planted in the ground in May, with the onset of warm weather. Veronica will bloom in the second year.

Cuttings are harvested in the summer, cutting off the upper parts of the stems. The branches are dipped in slices in Kornevin, and placed on a prepared bed with loose soil. Landings are shaded and covered with a mini greenhouse (film on arcs or plastic cut bottles for each stalk). Care of cuttings consists in watering, airing, loosening the soil. Seedlings are transferred to a permanent place next spring.

Veronica is propagated by dividing the bush in the spring, when the plant has just begun to grow after hibernation. The bush is carefully dug up, and divided into parts with a sharp knife or shovel. The delenka must contain at least 3 stem primordia. Rhizomes are planted without deepening the growth buds. The distance between plants should be from 25 to 50 cm, depending on the variety.

Veronica filiformis is easy to plant by simply cutting and digging up the rooted parts of the plant. Its creeping stems form roots in the axils of the leaves, which cling to the ground, so the plant grows in breadth. Layering takes root in a new place quickly.

Application of Veronica

Veronica officinalis, in addition to its attractive appearance, is rich in vitamins and other useful substances. Its infusions are used for gargling with sore throat, decoctions are drunk for diseases of the kidneys, gallbladder. Outwardly, infusions of Veronica treat fungus, ulcers, eczema.

Young leaves of Veronica are used for food, as a seasoning for meat and fish, as part of salads. They taste like watercress.

Other types of veronica also have medicinal properties, although to a lesser extent. The collection of plants for medicinal purposes is carried out in early summer. The raw materials are dried in the shade, at a temperature of +40 degrees (you can use electric dryers).

Veronica longifolia is a wonderful honey plant. It can be planted in an orchard to attract bees.

In ornamental gardening, tall varieties of veronica are used as vertical accents in mixed flower beds, planted in separate groups on the lawn, decorating the walls of buildings or fences with them. Plants look beautiful, planted in the form of a hedge, along the path.

In mixed plantings, bright "candles" of flowering veronica look harmoniously with large, cereals, echinacea,. Varieties of Veronica with blue and purple inflorescences are ideally combined with white and yellow flowers.

Undersized veronica is planted on alpine slides, it is decorated with retaining walls, planted directly in the cracks between the stones. Veronica is indispensable in rocky gardens.

Possessing tenacious and branched roots, Veronica “holds” the soil well, it is used to plant slopes and banks of reservoirs. The thread-like veronica looks good in a flowerpot or flowerpot, its long shoots strewn with flowers hang beautifully from the pot.

See also video

Charming and delicate flowers of Veronica are able to decorate any flower bed or flowerbed, ennoble the orchard. The many shades of its petals range from sky blue to deep blue. Veronica is a plant that does not require much effort and time to grow. Almost all garden forms are natural species, very resistant to cold and with good survival rates. So why not try them on your site?

Rod Veronica: description

This genus is the most numerous (about 500 species) among the Plantain family. Among them are annual and less common perennial semishrubs, which are common in all parts of the world, but mainly in the temperate and cold regions of Eurasia. Representatives of the genus are widely distributed in our country.

Any veronica is a plant (photo attached) with characteristic generic features. The first of these are small flowers with two stamens, which are collected in paniculate, spike-shaped or umbellate inflorescences (sessile or on a long peduncle). The second is thick rhizomes, shortened or branched, or many thin roots. Among the numerous representatives there are excellent honey plants, medicinal plants, as well as decorative ones. It is the latter that we will pay more attention to.

It should be noted that Veronica is a plant, although it does not have outstanding external characteristics, but it is beautiful in its simplicity. they can rise above the flower bed collected in a slender spike or almost spread with a soft “pillow”, braiding everything around. We invite you to learn about the main types of veronica introduced into the culture.

Veronica Armenian

A low plant (7-10 cm) of bright green color, forming a dense and dense turf. Stems ascending or procumbent, woody at the base. Leaves 08-1.2 cm long, pinnately dissected at the base into thin and twisting lobes, are also decorative. Corolla or with a lilac hue with a rich aroma. A pink variety has been bred. Armenian veronica is a very drought-resistant, unpretentious plant, which is why it is popular with flower growers when decorating lawns, alpine hills, and terraces. Flowering begins in mid-summer. The species is very sensitive to soil. Only rocky substrates with an alkaline environment and a small amount of river sand or fertilized clay are acceptable.

Veronica Austrian

With high erect stems from 30 to 70 cm, small leaves and star-shaped collected in a brush. Flowering is long, begins from May-June. It is drought-resistant, decorative, widely used for decoration of rock gardens, rockeries, in group and single plantings. The natural habitat is steppes and forest-steppes, mountain meadows and rocky hills. The soil prefers well-drained, sandy.

Veronica big

A species widely distributed in the natural environment: the entire European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, the Mediterranean, Central Asia. It grows in sparse forest plantations, meadows and fields. This Veronica is a plant (photo above) with an impressive garden history. It has been introduced into culture since 1596. The species is characterized by the formation of dense bushes, from which flower stalks emerge on a long stem (up to 30 cm) with asterisks of flowers of a blue hue of varying degrees of saturation. A very unpretentious plant, characterized by high winter hardiness (does not require shelter) and drought resistance. It grows well on any garden soil, prefers sunny places and moisture-loving. Use it in group and single plantings, it is suitable for cutting into bouquets. Various varieties have been bred, differing in the size of the bush, color, and leaf color. In particular, True Blue is a tall veronica (blue). The plant (photo attached) has inflorescences up to 10 cm long, the flowering period is a month, from the end of May. An unusual variety Miffy Blue grows into a spectacular bush with variegated decorative leaves and large pale blue inflorescences.

Veronica gentian

In its natural environment, it grows in the southern and middle regions of the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus and in the Crimea, in This herbaceous plant, which forms beautiful cushion-shaped bushes up to 45 cm high. The leaves are collected in a rosette, dark green, leathery. Inflorescence on a high shoot (30-70 cm), loose, many-flowered. The color of the corolla is pale blue, often towards white with clear blue streaks. The flowers are large, reaching a diameter of 1 cm. Flowering begins in June and lasts for a month, but the bush retains its decorative effect until frost. Gentian speedwell is a plant introduced into the culture of horticulture since 1784, during which time many varieties have been bred. Among them are Variegata with leaves bordered with a white stripe, Tissington White with almost white flowers, etc. Veronica is absolutely unpretentious, moisture-loving, but drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, but prefers well-lit places, shelter for the winter is not required.

Veronica spikelet

One of the most decorative species with a large number of bred varieties. Plant up to 40 cm tall with few single stems. Especially beautiful are the apical racemose dense inflorescences of saturated blue, blue, purple hues, less often white. The species has been introduced into culture since 1570. Flowering is long from mid-summer, gives a lot of seeds, propagates well by self-sowing. Any garden soil is suitable for its cultivation. Spikelet veronica is a winter-hardy, drought-resistant, light- and moisture-loving plant. Looks especially good in single plantings. Example varieties: Romiley Purple (intense purple), Barcarolle (pink), Heidekind (raspberry pink), Rotfishs (cream), White Icicle (white, pictured).

Veronica small

Highly ornamental species, demanding on growing conditions. It is subendemic and grows in nature only on volcanic soils. Forms dense cushions with dark green leaves, completely strewn with small blue flowers of a pure shade and with a delicate aroma. In garden conditions, reproduction is possible only by dividing the rhizome. Veronica small requires nutritious soil, but in the complete absence of organic matter, constant moderate moisture and good lighting (sunny places) are needed.

Veronica officinalis plant

This species has several advantages at once - decorative and useful. The plant is perennial, with creeping stems that root at the nodes. It grows quickly - up to 20 cm per season, so it can be used as a ground cover species. The flowers are collected in small brushes, pale lilac. Flowering is long from June to September. Mainly used as an ornamental leafy plant. Resistant to trampling, drought, frost, shade-tolerant, competitive. A high degree of overgrowth should be considered when choosing a planting site. In folk medicine, Veronica officinalis is used mainly as an expectorant for bronchial asthma, bronchitis in the form of infusions, decoctions, tea.

Growing Features

Veronica is a plant (description - above), or rather a whole genus with numerous representatives, with an unpretentious character. The only exceptions are some varieties. Care is absolutely simple. The plant is undemanding to soils, light factor, neighborhood with other species. If you decide to grow it in your flower beds, then you should pay attention to a few key points.

• When preparing the substrate for planting, pay attention to the variety you are planting, and, depending on this, supplement it with the necessary components, for example, for hair and gravel - crushed stone.
• A high degree of drought tolerance does not mean that you do not need to water. On the contrary, most species prefer moderate moisture.
• Cut off faded inflorescences, so you keep the decorative look of the bush longer and, possibly, achieve re-blooming.

When the beginning of the day started with positive feelings, then the whole working day is transferred faster and more positively. Keeping 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 the flower garden, it is impossible not to look at some amazing bush. And many people have a thought, or maybe they should think and buy a garden?

Veronica spikelet (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 pruned, the bush is updated due to new growth of leaves. Unpretentious, drought-resistant, photophilous, prefers any loose, garden soil with the addition of crushed stone, does not tolerate waterlogging, decorative until frost, frost-resistant, hibernates without shelter. Propagated by seeds (autumn), dividing the bush (spring), stem cuttings (tops of young shoots). It can be used on rocky slides, in mixborders, in single plantings. Veronica spikelet, or spikelet (St. Andrew's cross, St. Andrew's grass). There are many garden varieties. Veronica spikelet "Dwarf rose" (Veronica spicata "Rosa Zwerg") is more moisture-loving. Occurs in forest clearings, forests of steppe regions.

Veronica longifolia (Veronica longifolia) It belongs to one of the tallest types of speedwells. The specific name is derived from the Latin words longus ("long") and folium ("leaf"). Tall perennial plant, rising up to 50-120 cm (sometimes higher), with a narrow, long, straight raceme of blue (lilac) 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; comes to damp forest edges, bushes. As a rule, this type of Veronica occurs singly. Its rhizome is creeping, long.

Veronica oak (Veronica chamaedrys) In different regions of Russia, oak veronica was called dubrovka, mironnik, 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 racemes. The stem and leaves are covered with dense pubescence. It is short, at best it can reach a height of 30 cm. Its flowers are small, but so bright blue, as if they had absorbed the piercing blue of the sky. Blooms profusely from late May to early July. Quite resistant to trampling. Can be an ornament to a variegated natural lawn that is not regularly mowed. Homeland - Europe, Asia (Turkey, Greece, China, Iran), North America. It occurs in light forests, on the edges, glades, as well as in parks and gardens, usually grows in large clumps. Propagated by shoots from rhizomes and ground rooting shoots.

Veronica Steller (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, elongating during fruiting. The leaves are serrated along the edge. The flowers are blue-violet, about 8 mm in diameter. Suitable for rock gardens, mixborders, flower beds.

Veronica Schmidt (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 rock gardens. Varieties and forms are known: purple flowers with white stripes; white flowers with purple stripes; narrow linear form with purple leaves.

Veronica Armenian (Veronica armena Boiss. et Huet.) Originally from Asia Minor. Woody-rhizomatous perennial, forming a thickened turf, 5-10 cm high with filiform leaves, blue, purple or pink flowers 0.5 cm in diameter. Stems 5 to 10 cm long, ascending or procumbent, numerous, thin, woody from the base, rough 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 free surfaces in areas. Fragrant, very drought-resistant, original, even with its heavily dissected leaves, blooms only once. The substrates are exceptionally alkaline, rocky, with a small amount of well-fertilized clay or river silt. Propagated well by division of rhizomes, seeds. Blooms in early to mid-summer. In the middle lane, the seeds ripen late.

Veronica broad-leaved, or large (Veronica teucrium L. \u003d Veronica austriaca) grows wildly in the European part of our country, in the Caucasus, Western Siberia, Central Asia, Western Europe, and 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 the end of May 40-45 days. Mature 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. Winters without shelter, moisture-loving, but drought-resistant. There are garden varieties and forms.

Veronica bushy, or branched (Veronica fruticans Jacq.) Under natural conditions, it lives on rocky, rocky places, especially on limestone slopes in the mountains of Europe (except Eastern Europe and the Balkans). Slow-growing species of Veronica, with bright blue flowers, a reddish band 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. It develops on non-acidic, sandy loamy soil, preferably in partial shade, does not tolerate overheating. It is winter-hardy, but preventive cover with spruce branches is still desirable.

Gentian Veronica (Veronica gentianoides Vahl.) Under natural conditions grows in the middle, southern regions of the European part of Russia, the 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 the terraces of large rockeries, in the foreground of mixborders, for creating curtains. Frost decorative. 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 rhizomes. The variety “Nana” was bred - a dwarf version of Veronica gentian, not more than 10 cm high, with a peduncle of 20-30 cm. And from it the variety “Variegata”. The leaves are white-edged, very bright, in spring even with a pink border. Sod height 10-15 cm...

Veronica woody, or shoot (Veronica surculosa Boiss. et bal.) It is found in the alpine meadows of Asia Minor. Perennial creeping plant, covered with gray pubescence, with pink flowers, 4 to 5 cm high. Creeping, strongly leafy stems form a beautiful grey-green carpet. Flowering - May-July. Suitable for rockeries, rocky slides. Drought-resistant. Winter-hardy with good drainage and mulching, in snowless winters it can freeze, preferably shelter with coniferous spruce branches. It thrives in dry sunny places. Requires loose sandy 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). The leaves are bright green, linear-lanceolate, almost entire. Flowers in axillary multiflorous 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. Reproduces vegetatively and by seeds. Variety ""Crater Lake Blue" differs from the species with blue flowers.

Veronica medicinal (Veronica officinalis L.) A perennial herbaceous creeping plant with pale purple flowers up to 6-7 mm in diameter in short, more or less dense racemes located in the axils of the upper stem leaves. The stems are quite numerous, reaching up to 20 cm per season, recumbent, creeping, forming a dense low rug up to 7-10 cm in height. Blooms from June to September. Seeds ripen in July-September. can be sown before winter or spring, blooms for 2 years. It is grown in rock gardens, as a decorative leaf among ground cover plants. Drought tolerant and weed resistant. When planting among ground covers, one should take into account the ability for rapid growth and its high competitiveness. It can be planted on relatively poor, better sandy soils, in completely open places or in partial shade. The species name of this species indicates the presence of medicinal properties. Distributed in Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor. Grows in forests, forest clearings. Belongs to the number of pioneer plants in fresh clearings. It occurs quite often in the form of small thickets. Thin creeping rhizome; the ground part clings to the ground.

Veronica serpyllifolia (Veronica serpyllifolia) has a wide range, grows almost throughout Russia. Perennial plant, 10-25 cm high, with creeping stems rooting at the bottom. The leaves are small (5-10 mm long), opposite, ovate or almost rounded, obtuse at the apex, entire or serrated. The upper leaves gradually turn into bracts, so 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-shaped.

Veronica filiformis (Veronica filiformis) is widely distributed in the mountain meadows of Europe. Perennial low plant, only 3-5 cm, with single blue flowers with dark veins, rising on long stalks from axillary leaves. There are forms with pale blue and white flowers. Blooms in April-June. Thin long creeping stems in contact with the ground take root, resulting in large light green carpets, especially in damp places. Suitable for growing on lawns, alpine hills, as well as for terraced rockeries and fixing slopes. Absolutely unpretentious, sometimes aggressive, often becomes a weed on lawns. Good for creating carpet arrays. Moisture-loving, but drought-resistant. It is winter-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 and meadows. Tall slender plant (40-150 cm tall) with strong unbranched stems. Oblong-lanceolate, rather large leaves are arranged in 3-9 floors in a whorl. Small blue flowers are collected in long apical spicate inflorescences (up to 30 cm long), solitary (sometimes there may be several). The calyx is five-parted. Corolla with a long tube and a limb, the petals are blue, may be pink or white. Grown in gardens and parks, in open areas. During flowering, the curtain of Veronica Siberian has a healthy and strong appearance, the plants "stand like a wall", attracting many bees and bumblebees. Requires almost no care, propagated by dividing the bush.

Veronica alpine (Veronica alpina) In the mountains almost throughout Eurasia, in alpine, subalpine meadows, damp banks of rivers, streams, rocks, pebbles, alpine veronica grows. Perennial plant with purple flowers in apical few-flowered capitate racemes. Plant height - up to 25 cm, shoots are thin, creeping, covered with soft hairs. The upper leaves are alternate, the rest are opposite, ovate.

Spring Veronica (Veronica verna) Grow on slopes, roadsides, dry slopes. Annual, biennial plants with pinkish-blue or pale blue flowers with blue stripes, in elongated apical and lateral multi-flowered dense spiky racemes, later elongating and more loose.

Veronica Sayan (Veronica sajanensis) It 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) Dwells in meadows and among shrubs. General distribution: East Asia. Perennial up to 60 cm tall. Stems simple, furrowed, glabrous. Leaves alternate, rarely opposite, sessile, linear or linear-lanceolate, 3-7 cm long, 2-5 mm wide, cuneate at base, acute at apex. Inflorescence 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 virgin (Veronica / Veronicastrum virginica / Leptandra virginica) Motherland - East of North America. Plants up to 130 cm tall. The bush is stable. The leaves are lanceolate, juicy green, arranged in whorls. The flowers are white or blue, collected in paniculate inflorescence up to 15 cm long. Blooms from June to August. In culture since 1714.

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

Veronica allionii (Veronica allionii) with small purple flowers collected in apical inflorescences.

Veronica Austrian (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 tassels, elongated, loose, few-flowered.

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

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

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

Veronica densely flowered (Veronica densiflora) with blue flowers in apical dense rounded racemes, elongating as they fade.

Veronica thread-leaved (Veronica filifolia) with sparse tassels of milky-white flowers with blue veins, cushion-shaped perennial.

Veronica formosa (Veronica formosa) with bluish-purple flowers.

Veronica graceful (Veronica gracilis) with single blue flowers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 apical and lateral brushes, forming a paniculate-racemose inflorescence.

garden plants

Veronica. Landing and care

How to grow Veronica in the country, in the garden

Veronica. Cultivation and care

Care. unpretentious, easy care. Terms of planting and flowering: blooms in May. Plant this plant in spring, summer and autumn. Frost resistance: tolerates winter well.

Veronica. general description

Veronica is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is common in European countries, in Siberia and the Far East. Veronica is a rhizomatous plant. It is represented by many species, which differ significantly from each other in height, shape, color and arrangement of leaves, flower color, flowering time.

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

Veronica oakwood blooms from late May to early June. This is a short veronica species. The plant has small bright blue flowers that form inflorescences-brushes. The leaves are diverse - they can be ovate, pinnate, heart-shaped.

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

Veronica Steller blooms at the end of May. The plant is undersized. Leaves with a jagged edge, and blue and purple flowers are collected in inflorescences-brushes resembling heads.

Veronica Schmidt blooms from late May to late June. This type of undersized veronica has small leaves. The flowers are varied in color (white with purple strokes, purple with white strokes) and form dense inflorescences-brushes.

Veronica broadleaf blooms in late May and continues to bloom throughout June. It belongs to the middle class. Its leaves are ovate or heart-shaped with a serrated edge. Bright blue, pink and white flowers form opposite racemes.

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 inflorescences-brushes.

Veronica. Varieties

Various types of veronica have 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 speedwells - cute plants with blue or blue inflorescences. Probably because some types of veronica are widespread in nature, they are not often seen 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 types of Veronica that can decorate the collections of many sophisticated flower growers. In this article, I will not be able to talk about all Veronicas, 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 called Veronica. One of the legends says that it got its name in honor of Saint Veronica. Saint Veronica is a woman who gave Jesus, who was walking to Golgotha, a cloth to wipe 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. This is a long-lived perennial with thick shoots up to fifty, and sometimes up to seventy centimeters in height, on which ovoid-shaped serrated leaves are opposite, pubescent from below. In varietal veronica, large, with a rare planting, shoots form a beautiful dense, almost domed dark green bush. From the end of May until almost mid-July, the dome-bush becomes dazzling blue from above due to the numerous blooming 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, the large veronica is often called the royal veronica.

Growing Veronica:

King Veronica can be grown in almost any well-drained garden soil, but it prefers loamy soil. The plant is photophilous, but tolerably grows and develops in partial shade. It likes abundant watering, but it can tolerate short droughts and absolutely does not tolerate soil getting wet in the cold season. Winters 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 large 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 autumn 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 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 it grows solo, for example on a lawn. Veronica large inflorescences can also be used for cutting.

Another rather large and not very widely known species is gentian veronica or veronica Kemularia. This plant has leathery, thick, round-lanceolate leaves up to fifteen centimeters long, collected in basal rosettes. Particularly good is the variegated form of Veronica gentian - Variegata. Over time, whole curtains are formed from such sockets that are not interconnected. Most of the leaves from the rosettes hibernate, and in the period of April-May, new ones begin to grow. A little later, flower stalks from thirty to eighty centimeters high appear above the rosettes, rarely covered with small leaves. At the end of May, graceful brushes of rather large, as for speedwells, about a centimeter in diameter, white-blue flowers with blue veins bloom on 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 form at the ends of the stolons, the mother plant dies. Therefore, in the winter, several independent outlets go away.

Veronica Kemularia is unpretentious: it is photophilous, but it will grow without problems in partial shade. Grows well in 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 also propagated vegetatively. They can be sown before winter or in spring directly in 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.

Gentian Veronica is planted in the foreground of mixborders, separate curtains are created from plants, large rockeries are decorated with it, especially those located near water bodies.

Veronica plant: types, varieties, care

Veronica belongs to the most ancient medicinal plants, the beauty of which gardeners did not immediately appreciate. It has been grown as a remedy for diseases of the stomach, kidneys and lungs since the Middle Ages, but they began to use it as a decoration for flower beds much later. But on the other hand, breeders have fully made up for lost centuries, bringing out many varieties that flaunt interesting shapes and offer a wide selection of different plant sizes. Veronica is so firmly entrenched today 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. veronika allows you to simplify the care of the garden as much as possible and, accordingly, save the time of the owners, allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation. But Veronica has one advantage over herbaceous perennials of similar structure: it flaunts slender, elegant lines and creates a more openwork texture of the background, which allows you to present 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 color intensity. Veronica is considered one of the main unpretentious herbaceous perennials with a blue color that brings depth, intimacy, coolness and tranquility to flower beds. The species diversity of Veronica is quite large. Among plants with this name, there are compact, low-growing species, such as Veronica broadleaf 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 virginian", which is actually a completely different species, albeit similar to Veronica in the structure of thin small-colored inflorescences-candles and narrow leaves - Veronicastrum virginian. This plant is suitable only 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 speedwells, but is a much larger plant.

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

According to the color palette, the vast majority of veronicas are blue-flowered, but among the many new hybrid varieties, if desired, you can find very original plants with white inflorescences or representing a more noble and bright purple gamut. By color, Veronica can be either pale, muted, or the brightest. Intense blue is found in Veronica broadleaf, which has slightly larger inflorescences. The brightest, in particular, belongs to the variety "Knallblau" with a bright ultramarine color. With ease in impressiveness and variegation, the pink-colored variety of Veronica spikelet "Baby Doll" (Baby Doll) or the purple variety "Rotfuchs", which flaunts with delicate shortened-rounded inflorescences, the variety of Veronica long-leaved "Pink Damask" will compete with it with ease.

Regardless of the species, variety and growth, Veronica is always a companion plant that will demonstrate itself as an accompanying crop as an irreplaceable and unpretentious perennial. Veronicas have a unique ability to gracefully and unobtrusively fit even into an already formed flower garden, on which they are designed to fill the voids. Thanks to slender silhouettes and graceful lines, Veronica not only complements any garden ensemble, but makes it even more interesting in shape, texture, and 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 with different dates side by side, then the flowering of Veronica can be stretched from May to the end of September. Low-growing species and varieties are appropriate not only in the foreground of the flower garden, but also in borders, on alpine slides and in rockeries. But high, in addition to the traditional role of accompaniment, will also feel great in mixborder ribbons. Veronica, despite the status of a classic flowerbed herbaceous perennial, unexpectedly gracefully looks in the design of reservoirs, in particular, ponds. It goes well with lilies, daylily, yarrow, meadowsweet, loosestrife and nivyanik. Like catnip, veronica can be used as an accompanying partner for roses, both bed and larger. Modest candle-shaped inflorescences surprisingly elegantly emphasize the luxury of roses, as if shading the queen of the garden with an openwork coverlet 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 solo and in compositions. Veronica spikelet manifests itself best in the role of a pot. 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 other respects the requirements of different species vary. So, broad-leaved veronica prefers dry soil and does not like waterlogging, while long-leaved, on the contrary, grows well even in conditions of excessive watering. Top dressing is applied for speedwells growing on insufficiently nutritious soils only once every few years. Watering Veronica in the flower garden is not necessary. All speedwells 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 elevated air temperatures. If the disease manifests itself, the shoots should be completely removed and, if possible, sprayed with insecticides. Veronica is very easy to propagate: it is enough to dig a bush and divide it into several parts with a shovel. Division is best done in early spring or August.

Veronica filiform, or filamentous, is the most delicate herbaceous plant. This is a perennial with airy white or bluish flowers. Many gardeners simply struggle with such a plant, expelling it from their site. It is extremely difficult to care for these flowers, all the more so to keep them in a certain growing area - the perennial is actively growing, turning into almost a real problem. Such energy in the growth and vitality of the plant can be directed in the right direction and used to good effect.

Veronica filamentous: plant features

Veronica filiform belongs to the Norichnikov family. This is a herbaceous plant with creeping shoots that almost instantly take root in the ground.

The plant is soil-rooted, low; creeps along the ground. The leaves are small, rounded, the flowers are white or blue-blue. The plant easily tolerates heat, grows in open sunny areas, but feels comfortable in partial shade or in a completely shaded area.

This amazing species of plant is rightly labeled a "terrible aggressor." Growing such a plant on the site, be prepared for the fact that it will spread throughout the yard in huge flowering spots, hide the unevenness of the landscape, and grow between the tiles on the paths. So, to which group should this natural “decorator” be attributed: weeds or cultivated flower plants?

As in the wild, thread-like speedwell (photo can be seen in the article) prefers areas where trees (forest, fruit), berry bushes grow. She loves shade. This plant, actively growing, is ready to fill the entire yard, garden and beds, but if you properly care for it and do not give freedom to the reproduction of flowers, then this process is quite realistic to control.

Agricultural technology is simple, because this fast-growing plant is so tenacious that it does not require the creation of special conditions for growing. But it’s still worth getting acquainted with the system of planting and caring for Veronica filiform.

The plant feels great in areas with moderately moist soil, but it tolerates drought well. That is why there is no need to create special conditions for the care of flowers. Veronica filamentata is a plant that takes care of itself, and it is able to compete quite competitively in the fight against its neighbors. Even dandelions cannot stand the onslaught of an aggressive herbaceous plant.

Agricultural technology

The plant is unpretentious, because special skills in growing these flowers are not required. Veronica filiform (or creeping) is able to adapt to growing in any conditions. Grass is unpretentious to soils. Most types of Veronica are moisture-loving plants, but they are calm about a short drought and easily tolerate it.

In Russia, the plant survives easily, being frost-resistant and easily enduring the harsh Russian frosts. Although some of the species are more delicate, for example, the Veronica is branched. There is a need to cover them for the winter with spruce branches.

Important! The shoots are pruned and removed only at the end of the flowering of the plant.

After planting the plants, periodically weed the flowers, otherwise they will become wild. Veronica is fertilized twice a season.

Reproduction of Veronica filamentous

There are several ways of plant propagation.

seeds

Sowing material is done in late autumn. Flowering occurs 24 months after planting Veronica filiformis. Seeds in the case of spring sowing are amenable to stratification - a procedure that consists in creating an artificial temperature difference necessary for normal seed germination.

The process of growing a plant from seeds is as follows:

1. Prepare a garden pot with a drainage substrate.
2. Spread the seeds on the surface, sprinkling a small amount of earth on top.
3. Crops are sprayed with water. Cover with a film with small holes on top, allowing the seeds to access oxygen.
4. The pot with planting material is placed in a cooler place in order to create special conditions for seed germination (for example, in a refrigerator), where it is kept for the next 3 weeks.
5. After this period, the container is moved to a well-lit warm place and waiting for the first shoots, which begin to hatch 2 weeks after the change in temperature. Take care of seedlings according to the standard method.

Veronica filiform seeds are freely available, and they can be purchased at any specialized store.

division

Shoots with a healthy and well-developed root system are divided and seated as separate units. The procedure is usually carried out in early spring.

cuttings

For propagation in this way, planting material is used in the form of young shoots. Cut cuttings are placed in a container with water until the root outgrowths germinate or simply placed in the ground, where they will take root on their own, which usually occurs 10-14 days after transplantation. After that, the plant from the container is transplanted to an open area of ​​\u200b\u200bground.

Of all the above methods, gardeners note the latter as one of the most convenient and effective ways to propagate veronica filiform, planting and caring for which are not difficult.

The place of the plant in landscape design compositions

Sometimes the plant is sown on its own in the territory and does not have to be planted. Grass grows quickly. The most delicate plant of amazing beauty is veronica filiform. Herbaceous plants for open ground can not be bought from hands, you can not look for seeds in garden stores, but you can bring them from the usual habitat of flowers: forests or meadows. Often it is used as a design element, especially in cases where it is necessary to decorate the site in a relaxed natural style.

These can easily be planted under berry bushes, fruit trees. There is no reason to worry that the grass will draw out all the beneficial substances from the soil and the cultivated plants themselves. Such an improvised carpet in the garden will help keep the fruits falling from the trees safe and sound. In hot summers, the plant retains moisture in the soil longer, protecting it from overheating, therefore trees and bushes growing around receive more nutrients and moisture.

The herbaceous plant creates a living carpet under your feet, which is pleasant to walk barefoot on. Such a lawn covering is not only practical, but also beautiful. A small herbaceous plant is easily cut with a lawn mower, trimmer. It should be noted that this plant is able to suppress the growth of weed species.

Important! The plot, abundantly overgrown with Veronica filamentata, looks impressive not only during the flowering period of the plant, but also after it ends. Light green leaves give the site a fresh look, create coziness and additional comfort.

The bunches of veronica filamentous growing between the stones of the retaining walls of rock gardens look spectacular. But such compositions already need to be controlled, otherwise the grass will grow over the entire hill and simply spoil the landscape composition.

Features of caring for a site where filamentous grass grows

Veronica is easy to remove by hand if the plant grows too large or is simply unnecessary. There should be no problems with cleaning the lawn, except that Veronica has been growing there for more than one year and its roots are too intertwined. Then you have to use garden tools, removing the flowers along with the top layer of soil. Carrying out such work, it is necessary to ensure that not a single shoot of Veronica filiform or creeping remains in the ground, the photo of which can be seen in the article, otherwise the extremely fast-growing flowers will again flood the entire area.

The use of such a plant as a landscape decoration will give the site tenderness and ease. Such a lawn or garden will look impressive, and individual landscape compositions will be complete. By providing care and observation of the growth of the grass, you can control it, creating an amazingly beautiful composition.

In eronicas - magnificent universal plants, ranked among the best herbaceous perennials from among partners. They are equally beautiful and green, and flowering. Being both the main competitor and a good companion for sage and Kotovnikov , a true decoration of rocky gardens, veronica captivates with a combination of high decorativeness with endurance and undemanding care. This plant fits perfectly into a garden of any style and composition of any size.

Perennial veronicas - hardy generalists

Veronicas are not large, but prominent garden perennials. Among them there are both turf forms and carpet plants. But all veronicas are characterized by equally attractive greenery and flowering. About what the name Veronica means, disputes are still ongoing. Some botanists associate the Latin name with Saint Veronica, others with the medicinal properties of Veronica vulgaris and translate it as “real medicine”. But be that as it may, veronicas are unique cultures in all their talents. ▲

Veronicas are herbaceous perennials and subshrubs that form dense clumps or cushion-like rugs with numerous straight or outstretched shoots. The root system is powerful, fibrous. Simple or pinnate, rounded or lanceolate leaves are always sessile, collected in whorls or arranged in pairs and alternately on shoots, creating a dense cushion of greenery. But their size can be large, up to 10 cm, and almost needle-shaped. As a rule, very bright shades of dark green color are characteristic of veronicas. Veronica flowering is typical for partner soddy perennials. Spikelets or narrow racemes of inflorescences bloom on the tops of the main and side shoots. The flowers are small, consist of free corolla petals at the top and fused at the bottom. In different types of Veronica, the limb of the corolla can be both wheel-shaped and two-lipped. Despite its medium-sized size, not only a bright spot in the center of the pharynx, but also a pistil with an elongated column, and only 2 stamens stand out brightly on the flower. After flowering ▲ two-celled fruit boxes are tied, hiding very small seeds.

The flowering period of veronicas falls on a fairly long period from May to the end of summer. Most species bloom just at the beginning of summer, as if bringing islands of coolness in the first hot days.

The color range of perennial veronica is limited to cold shades of the spectrum. The plant is valued as one of the most beautiful blue and purple-colored crops, but snow-white, pink, and blue colors are also found in Veronica.

Growing and planting conditions

It is difficult to find a perennial more undemanding than garden speedwell, planting and caring for which is not difficult. The only thing that the plant makes at least some strict requirements for is the intensity of lighting. Without exception, Veronica perennials are light-loving crops. And the place for them needs to be selected only sunny and diffusely light.

But in everything that concerns the soil, garden veronica is unpretentious. This plant grows well in the usual "average" garden soil - processed and fairly loose. Veronica gentian prefers moist soil, but Veronica spikelet, Austrian and other carpet species are content with any, even the most meager stony soil. Only veronica spikelet is sensitive to the reaction of the soil, which grows only in stony calcareous soils. High soil fertility is undesirable, average indicators are sufficient, but veronica grows quite successfully on poor soil.

Planting Veronica for many years will not cause difficulties. The plant is planted in individual pits, in arrays - in grooves, setting it while maintaining the same growth depth or a little deeper and watering abundantly after filling the planting pits with soil. Immediately after planting, it is advisable to mulch the plants.

Wintering Veronica

Without exception, all perennial veronicas are crops with high frost resistance and do not need to be prepared for winter, and even more so in shelter even in the first year after planting. Only in rock gardens on a hill in windy places is a light preventive shelter useful in case of snowless winters.

Reproduction of Veronica

Veronica perennial is an easy-to-breed culture, the planting material of which is quite easy to obtain. You can propagate this perennial:
- dividing bushes in early spring, at the stage of unfolding leaves or in August (bushes can be cut into both large and small divisions with at least 3 shoots, completely cutting off the aerial part before digging and separating plants with stumps);
- by cuttings (for rooting under a cap, the tops of young shoots that grow after pruning are cut);
- seeds (sowing seeds is carried out on seedling beds in the fall, plants will bloom only in the second year).

Types and varieties of Veronica

The genus Veronica unites about three hundred plant species that are found almost all over the globe, but the favorite perennial species that are used in landscape design came to us from the Mediterranean and Europe.

A little less than two dozen perennial speedwells are grown as ornamental plants.

Widespread types:

(Veronica chamaedrys) is a very beautiful perennial plant that grows rapidly thanks to creeping roots. The stems are ascending, from 10 to 40 cm in height, the leaves are ovate, with a beautiful jagged edge and velvety pubescence, making the intense green color even brighter. Loose racemes of inflorescences consist of large, blue or blue flowers. Blooms in May-June.

Veronica spiky or spike(Veronica spicata) is a symbol of the whole genus and one of the most beautiful sod garden perennials. Dense bushes up to 40 cm high conquer with rather large, lanceolate or rounded leaves. The shoots are strong, crowned with thick brushes of inflorescences up to 10 cm long. The bright blue color contrasts perfectly with the muted velvety greens. There are varieties with purple, lilac, pink and white color. Flowering of Veronica spikelet lasts up to 45 days and starts in June. Examples of varieties: Heideking, Barcarolla, Unique Baby (a series of varieties), Iceicle.

(Veronica filiformis) is the most famous and underestimated of the ground cover speedwells. With a height of up to 5 cm, this perennial is distinguished by a delicate light green color of small rounded leaves and the thinnest long shoots that form green lace on the soil. Flowers solitary, on long pedicels, blue and thinly veined or blue-white. This veronica blooms early, as early as April, but is able to bloom until the beginning of summer. This species is often considered a weed, but when controlled, it can create stunning carpets.

(Veronica longifolia) - widely used by landscapers, usually in a group planting. In the nature of Russia is widespread. Settles in damp places, mainly in forests. The area includes many countries of Europe, Asia, the Caucasus. The stems reach one and a half meters or lower. The leaves are collected in 3-4, arranged alternately, elongated, lanceolate, up to 15 cm. The inflorescence-brush can consist of several hundred 3-4 mm flowers, its total length reaches a quarter of a meter. Veronica longifolia is also known as a medicinal plant and is used by folk and Tibetan healers. It has many ornamental varieties, for example, Royal Pink, Evelyn, Blaurizin, Schneerizin, Antarctica, Plamoza (a series of varieties).

Also in the design of the garden use these types of perennial veronica:

Veronica branched, or bushy,(Veronica fruticans) - a very beautiful ground cover species, develops in the form of a pillow from low creeping shoots and leathery lanceolate leaves. The flowers sit in racemes on very long pedicels, conquer either bright blue or pink with purple streaks. Flowering begins in June.

(Veronica austriaca) - a tall and very showy species that forms dense clump bushes from 30 to 70 cm high. Upright shoots are hidden under bright, pinnate-lanceolate leaves. The flowers almost hide the shrub under them from May to July. Asymmetrical flowers with a dazzling bright blue-lilac color sit in 2-4 pieces. in the lateral brushes, together creating a kind of cloud.

(Veronica gentianoides) - one of the most powerful and spectacular species for flower beds and flower beds. At a height of up to half a meter, the bushes still resemble pillows. Leaves in dense basal rosettes are replaced by a slightly leafy crown. The inflorescences are tall, spike-shaped, loose, of blue, pale, decorated with bright dark blue veins. Flowering Veronica gentian lasts up to 3 weeks in June.

(Veronica stelleri) is a medium-sized but beautiful species up to 25 cm high, forming lacy hemispheres of curtains. The leaves are dark, densely arranged, the inflorescences are loose heads that seem to hover over a curly bush and form a haze of dark purple or white.

Veronica thyme(Veronica serpyllifolia) - also a medium-sized, surprisingly wild-looking perennial up to 25 cm high with greenery resembling thyme and delicate watercolor flowers, the veins on which can be viewed endlessly.

(Veronica surculosa) is a miniature, cushion-forming species with greyish hairs and mauve flowers, forming curly dense mats and blooming relentlessly from May to July.

(Veronica peduncularis) - a profusely flowering carpet species that forms a dense lacy turf and fully reveals its beauty only when grown on elevations, like a semi-ampel hanging from boulders or walls, with rich small leaves and bright blue-ultramarine flowers with a white eye. This species blooms in early May.

(Veronica armena) is a very dense, dense densely sod perennial with recumbent or ascending, thin, gradually woody rough shoots up to 10 cm long, forming a thick cushion. Pinnately dissected leaves with needle-shaped lobes change color from dark to bluish green. Very fragrant inflorescences-brushes bloom in the middle of the rally, consist of blue or lilac flowers, few-flowered, glow on the surface of the carpet.

Veronica Caucasian(Veronica caucasica) - a similar carpet species up to 20 cm high with pinnately dissected needle-like foliage and small racemes of inflorescences on filiform peduncles with lanceolate petals and a blue color with lilac stripes. This veronica blooms in early summer.

(Veronica prostrata) is a beautiful gray-green carpet perennial with shoots capable of rooting at the nodes, lanceolate leaves and dense racemes of purple flowers, under which greenery is often not visible.

In the design of reservoirs, two more types of veronica are used - veronica key(Veronica anagallis-aquatica), a creeping plant with lanceolate leaves and loose racemes of numerous pale blue flowers, and Veronica entrusted, or flow,(Veronica beccabunga) - a species with fleshy large leaves and charming brushes of inflorescences.

Use in garden design

Representatives of perennial species of the genus Veronica are not accidentally called one of the most versatile perennials. Veronicas, whose species differ in size, but not in their ability to grow, are valued primarily as cultures that can fill gaps and clearings, form continuous plantings in decorative compositions.

Low species, in particular, oak veronica in the garden, offer not only to admire the beauty of textures and flowering, but also to use universal perennials to create a stunningly beautiful and dense cover. Veronica can be used both in the foreground of flower beds and between solo plants as a universal filler. There will be a place for veronicas in flower beds, and in discounts, and in landscape groups, and in arrays or spots of various sizes.

Most veronicas are indispensable sustainable perennials for decorating rocky gardens - from ordinary alpine hills to retaining walls and terraces, landscaping slopes, decorating rockeries. Veronica's greenery perfectly emphasizes the beauty of scree, gravel, and large boulders.

These perennials are also suitable as a masker, hiding communications and unsightly places in the garden, and for decorating the edge of a lawn or flower beds. Veronicas are also used in borders, subject to mandatory pruning to control growth. It is difficult to imagine a plant that would look better at stairs and multi-level transitions.

Certain types of perennial veronica - brook or gentian - are used to decorate reservoirs near the coastline.

It is very easy to pick up partners for Veronica Sadovaya. Perennial veronicas go well with bluebells, cornflowers, primroses, garden geraniums, catnip, sage, milkweed, gravel, saxifrage, stonecrop, all kinds of carnations. They perfectly reveal the beauty of roses and other flowering shrubs.