Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Wizard of Ahhs Speedwell: Violet Spikes That Open Before Lavender
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Wizard of Ahhs speedwell is one of the first spike speedwells to bloom each summer. Thick, tapered spikes of violet-blue florets crowd the top of a low, wide plant until there is hardly any green showing, and bees work them steadily for weeks.
If you love the look of lavender wands, this is the plant that gives you that shape a little sooner, and a little lower.
Wizard of Ahhs at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Veronica 'Wizard of Ahhs' |
| Flowers | Dense violet-blue spikes, 4 to 6 inches long |
| Foliage | Medium green, lance-shaped and finely toothed |
| Size | 14 to 16 inches tall, 18 to 22 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early to mid-June, long blooming with moderate rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 8; needs a cold winter to bloom well |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators; deer resistant |
Stretching the blue season
Speedwell and lavender share the same vertical spike shape, so planting them together reads as one continuous drift of blue and purple. The useful part is the timing: Wizard of Ahhs opens just ahead of the main lavender bloom, so the color starts earlier and overlaps as the lavender comes on.
At 14 to 16 inches, it belongs in front. Plant a row along the edge of a lavender bed and let the taller lavender rise behind it. For contrast in shape, add a round-flowered neighbor such as coneflower or a daisy; the spikes look even sharper next to them. The Companion Plant Library has more ideas.
One difference to plan for
Speedwell likes a bit more moisture than lavender. It wants soil that drains well but does not stay dry for long, and it slows down in hot, dry spells. Put it on the outer edge of the lavender bed, where you can water it during droughts without soaking the lavender crowns.
Planting and care
- Soil: average to fertile and well drained.
- Water: regularly in dry spells.
- Deadheading: cut spent spikes back to the next set of side buds to keep new spikes coming, and shear the plant back after the main bloom.
- Airflow: space plants so air moves through; powdery and downy mildew are the main foliage issues.
- Winter: cut back spent stems in fall or early spring and avoid soggy winter soil.
Small bouquets
The spikes are rated good for cutting and hold their shape in small arrangements. It also shrugs off salt spray, which makes it a candidate for spots near a road or drive.
Plug tray or bare root
Wizard of Ahhs is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, suited to growers and long edging runs, and as a bare root plant for home gardens. See the product pages for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does it flop?
No. Its low, wide habit fills the front of a border without flopping open.
Will it grow in a container?
Yes. Containers are one of its listed uses; keep the pot watered a little more often than lavender.
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