Use & Care NotesLavender Plants
How to Use and Care for Perfectly Picasso Spike Speedwell Bare Root Plants
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Perfectly Picasso Spike Speedwell has showy pink-and-white flower spikes that brighten midsummer gardens. This note explains how to plant and care for these bare root plants to keep them healthy and blooming well in your garden.
Planting Timing and Spot Selection
Plant Perfectly Picasso Spike Speedwell bare root plants in spring or early fall. Spring planting lets the plants settle before heat sets in, while early fall gives roots time to establish before winter. Choose a sunny spot with sharp drainage; these plants need full sun to produce dense flower spikes. This variety grows to about 2 feet tall, so it fits nicely in the middle of a garden border. Avoid heavy mulch piled against the crown, as moisture buildup can harm the roots. For gardeners unsure of their zone, consult the USDA Zone Finder to select planting time suited to local frost dates.
Soil Preparation and Planting Steps
Before planting, loosen soil and improve drainage if needed by mixing in sand or fine gravel in dense or clay soils. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root mass to give roots room to spread. Set the bare root plant so the crown is just at soil level to prevent rot. Backfill gently, firming soil around roots to eliminate air pockets. Water deeply after planting to moisten the root zone. For best results, use the planting guidelines from the Care Calendar. Avoid planting in heavy shaded or waterlogged areas, as this slows growth and reduces bloom quality.
Watering and Routine Care
Newly planted Perfectly Picasso requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water deeply about once or twice a week during dry spells until plants are established. Once mature, water less frequently—these plants tolerate some drought and prefer dry feet to wet roots. Keep weeds under control around them to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients. Avoid heavy mulch near the plant's crown. Bees favor this speedwell, so encouraging pollinators benefits blooms and your broader garden ecology.
Pruning and Deadheading Techniques
To encourage a tidy shape and extended flowering, deadhead spent blooms regularly during summer. Cut flower spikes just above healthy leaf joints to promote more branching. After the bloom period ends in late summer, prune back about one-third of the green growth to maintain a rounded plant form about 2 feet tall. Always leave at least 2 to 3 inches of green growth above the woody base. Avoid cutting into old brown wood, as this rarely regrows and can damage the plant. For more pruning details, see the Plant Health Checker.
Winter Care by Zone
Perfectly Picasso is hardy in most zones that support perennial border plants but may need protection in colder zones (3–4). In zones 5–6 and warmer, mulch lightly with straw or shredded leaves after the first hard frost to protect roots without smothering the crown. Remove mulch in early spring to prevent moisture buildup. In the hottest or driest zones, provide some afternoon shade when possible and ensure soil drains well to prevent stress during summer heat. Avoid heavy pruning after early September to allow the plant to prepare for winter naturally.
Companion Planting and Landscape Use
This speedwell pairs beautifully with violet-flowering speedwells like Royal Rembrandt, creating a vibrant, bee-friendly border. Its showy bicolor spikes add interest from midsummer into late summer. Use it to fill the middle layer of mixed perennial beds where it can get full sun. It also attracts pollinators while deer typically avoid it, making it suitable for gardens where deer browsing is a concern. For help planning your garden’s companion plants, visit the Companion Plant Planner.
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