The best varieties of Veronica

Charming and delicate flowers of Veronica are able to decorate any flower bed or rabatka, to ennoble the orchard. The numerous shades of its petals range from sky blue to deep blue. Veronica is a plant that does not require much time and effort to grow. Almost all garden forms are natural species, very resistant to cold weather 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 it are annual and perennial herbaceous plants, less often half-shrubs, which are common in all parts of the world, but mainly in the temperate and cold regions of Eurasia. Representatives of the genus are widespread in our country.

Any Veronica is a plant (photo attached) with characteristic generic characteristics. The first of them is 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. We will pay more attention to the latter.

It should be noted that Veronica is a plant, although it does not have outstanding external characteristics, but it is beautiful in its simplicity. Small flowers can rise above the flower bed, gathered in a slender ear, or almost creep as a soft "pillow", braiding everything around. We invite you to learn about the main types of Veronica introduced into the culture.

Veronica armenian

A short plant (7-10 cm) of bright green color, forming a dense and dense turf. Stems ascending or recumbent, woody at the base. Leaves 08-1.2 cm long, pinnately dissected at the base into thin and curling lobes, are decorative. The corolla of the flower is pale blue or lilac with a rich aroma. A pink variety was bred. Armenian veronica is a very drought-resistant, unpretentious plant, and therefore is popular with flower growers when decorating lawns, alpine slides, and terraces. Flowering begins in mid-summer. The species is very sensitive to the ground. Only rocky substrates with an alkaline environment and a small amount of river sand or fertilized clay are acceptable.

Veronica of Austria

Perennial plant with high erect stems from 30 to 70 cm, small leaves and star-shaped bright blue flowers, collected in a brush. Long-lasting flowering begins in May-June. Drought-resistant, decorative, widely used for decoration of rock gardens, rockeries, in group and single plantings. Natural habitat - steppes and forest-steppe, mountain meadows and rocky hills. Prefers well-drained, sandy soil.

Veronica big

A species widespread in its natural environment: the entire European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, the Mediterranean, Central Asia. Grows in sparse forest stands, 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 peduncles emerge on a long stem (up to 30 cm) with stars of blue flowers 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 soils, prefers sunny and moisture-loving places. It is used 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 color of the leaves. 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. The unusual Miffy Blue variety 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 Crimea, in Asia Minor. It is a herbaceous plant that 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, multi-flowered. Corolla color is pale blue, often towards white with clear blue veins. 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 Veronica is a plant introduced into the culture of horticulture since 1784, during this time many varieties have been bred. Among them are Variegata with leaves edged 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, no shelter is required for the winter.

Veronica spikelet

One of the most decorative species with a large number of bred varieties. Plant up to 40 cm in height with few single stems. Especially beautiful are the apical racemose dense inflorescences of saturated blue, blue, violet shades, less often white. The species has been introduced into culture since 1570. Long flowering from mid-summer, gives a lot of seeds, multiplies 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 landings. Examples of varieties: Romiley Purple (deep purple), Barcarolle (pink), Heidekind (raspberry pink), Rotfishs (cream), White Icicle (white, pictured).

Veronica small

Highly decorative species, picky about growing conditions. It is subendemic and grows in nature only on volcanic soils. Forms dense cushions with dark green leaves, completely covered with small blue flowers of a pure shade and with a delicate aroma. In a garden, reproduction is possible only by dividing the rhizome. Veronica shallow 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 take 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 clusters, lavender. Long bloom 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. Leaving is absolutely simple. The plant is undemanding to soil, light factor, proximity to other species. If you decide to grow it in your flower beds, then there are a few main points worth paying attention to.

• 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 hairy and gravelly - crushed stone.
• A high degree of drought tolerance does not mean that there is no need to water. In contrast, most species prefer moderate moisture.
• Cut off wilted inflorescences, so you will retain the decorative appearance of the bush for longer and, possibly, achieve re-flowering.

Perhaps, many have seen this flower in a meadow or forest glade. Veronica the plant is quite cute, has inflorescences of bluish or blue shades... Due to the fact that certain species are often found in nature, they cannot be found in garden plots.

Characteristics and description of the plant Veronica

It is considered a fairly well-known plant, the varieties of which can be seen in various parts of the world. This is explained by its unpretentiousness, its resistance to the dry season, which makes it possible to survive in many climatic zones.

Perennial plant Veronica

The flower does not have any special requirements for the soil composition, it feels equally comfortable on sand, clay and even marsh soil... At first, the plant was considered an adornment of mountains and forests, a little later it began to be used as decorative flowers.

As soon as Veronica became a cultivated plant, she was taken as the basis for breeding new varieties used in horticulture. The flower has been known to mankind for a long time, as it is considered a plant with medicinal characteristics.

The most beautiful kind of flower - Veronica Bolshaya... This is a perennial that forms thick shoots, the height of which reaches fifty, and sometimes seventy centimeters. On them, opposite leaves are placed, resembling testicles with their serrated shapes.

Veronica Bolshaya

A rarely planted plant with its shoots forms darkish bushes resembling domes. With the end of spring and until the very middle of the summer season, the top of such a bush turns bright blue.... A large number of flowers bloom, the diameter of which does not exceed one and a half centimeters. Because of the beautiful appearance of the inflorescences, she is often called the Royal Veronica.

The most famous varieties

Of the huge number of popular types of flowers, the following plants can be distinguished:

Medicinal

Veronica Medicinal

It grows in a wooded area. Distinctive features are undersized stems creeping in a carpet... On them are pale green leaves and lilac inflorescences.

Branched

Veronica Branched

The main habitat is the mountainous area. Looks like low thickets, covered with inflorescences of blue and pink shades... This variety is demanding to care. It is difficult to endure drought, in winter it can freeze.

Dubravnaya

Veronica Dubravnaya

Found in Siberia, the Caucasus Mountains, in European countries. Perennial plant of low growth, forms jagged leaves that remain green in the winter season... Veronica Dubravnaya blooms in blue, blue and even pink shades.

Small

Veronica Melkaya

The view is very peculiar. Its distinctive features are short stature, small leaves, inflorescences of lilac and blue shades... This variety is quite whimsical, only experienced gardeners are engaged in its cultivation;

Woody

Veronica Woody

Perennial of low growth. Forms creeping stems covered with abundant foliage... In winter, it can freeze without snow cover.

Planting and leaving

The flower, although it belongs to unpretentious, needs moderate watering. Excessive moisture can cause its death.... Flower care is not difficult, any soil is suitable for planting.

He feels most comfortable at temperatures ranging from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius.

A considerable number of varieties are known that can grow well in the dry season. Most plants need water in spring, before flowering begins.... By the time the first inflorescences open, watering must be stopped.

Pruning is carried out after the flower has faded. This measure will be an excellent stimulant for the formation of young foliage.

Veronica reproduces in several ways:

• division of rhizomes;
• cuttings;
• seeds.

When growing such a flower, gardeners give preference to a suitable option.

Veronica is usually propagated in three well-known ways: by seeds, dividing the bush and cuttings

Sowing is carried out in the fall... But it is possible to sow in the spring, if the seed fund is first stratified.

Cutting is recommended in summer.... By this time, young stems are being prepared. They are then placed in soil or water to allow roots to form. After that, the seedlings are allowed to be transferred to open ground.

Rhizome division is the most popular way to breed Veronica... The fact is that it does not imply costs, and the survival rate is high. This type of breeding is recommended in spring or autumn.

To begin with, the stems are removed, the bush is dug up. The roots are cut with a knife or spatula.

Divide the bush into equal parts so that there are at least three shoots on the first root. After completing the procedure, you must immediately land it in the ground.

Useful qualities

The medicinal properties of the plant have been known since ancient times. Veronica has long been used as a cure for various diseases.

The tops of the stems with leaves and inflorescences are of particular value.... Harvesting is carried out with the onset of summer, when flowering is in full swing. The drying time must be reduced to a minimum, for which a temperature regime of forty degrees is created. This allows you to reduce losses, preserve the shade of colors. If everything is done correctly, then Veronica will retain its healing properties for two years.

Besides, used as an ornamental plantto decorate the garden area.

Veronica is grown today on any type of soil composition. But the plant thrives best on loamy soil. He needs a sufficient amount of light, although shaded areas are suitable for breeding.

A plant that is 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 areas with a temperate climate, 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

For breeding Veronica, 3 methods are used:

Sprouted seed of veronica photo

• 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 autumn or spring, Veronica is grown on a windowsill in a seedling way.

Densely sprouted seedlings are 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

Veronica plant growing from seeds for seedlings photo

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

• We take out seeds that have undergone stratification 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.

Seedlings of Veronica are ready for planting photo

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.

Reproduction of veronica by cuttings photo

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.

How to propagate Veronica by cuttings photo

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.

Propagating Veronica by cuttings photo

The procedure is performed in August, then the sprout will have time to take root and take root 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

Veronica planting and leaving photo Veronica surculosa

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 are most often found eating foliage and young shoots. 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 spicata red fox photo

Veronica is difficult to confuse with other plants due to the combination of signs of nettle, plantain and bluebells. If you look from afar at the flowerbed with Veronica, then it 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 while walking a person or animals. It will not work to break off or tear off 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 opposite, 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 its creeping species, the people call the grass snake or Veronica's 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 the 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 after 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, shrubby with a strong stem or herbaceous filiform stems.

Veronica armenian Veronica armena

Veronica armenian Veronica armena photo

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

Veronica Caucasian Veronica caucasica photo

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.

Veronica Caucasian in landscape design photo

The small size is resistant to windy weather. Creeping strong stem quickly recovers after 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

Veronica large wide variety Royal blue Veronica teucrium Royal Blue

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 blue, 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 finishes flowering 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 varieties with bright and pastel colors.

Veronica Crimean Veronica taurica

Veronica Crimean Veronica taurica photo

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

Veronica filiform Veronica filiformis photo

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

Veronica gray or gray Veronica incana photo

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 collected in a high panicle at the top. It begins to bloom from July to the end of summer.

Veronica peduncular 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

Veronica longifolia Veronica longifolia photo

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

Veronica officinalis Veronica officinalis photo

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 hybrid Atomic Mix Veronica photo

Veronica is a wonderful 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 flower: description of the plant, characteristics of the main varieties

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: 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 for Veronica in your garden, you need to optimally combine the cultivation of several of its varieties, which differ in flowering times.

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 are enough to sprout (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 to 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, and 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. Next, 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, water the plant 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 is very fond of acidic or slightly acidic soil).

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 around 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 mold. It is possible to get rid of these diseases with the help of either chemical preparations, such as "Oxyhom" or copper sulfate, or biological analogs 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 have to worry: the plant is able to cope with the pest insect on its own.

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 using contrasting combinations: for example, 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