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Lavender companion · grow guide
Spike Speedwell · Veronica
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil that stays evenly moist in summer. Cut spent spikes back to the leafy base for repeat bloom; soggy winter soil causes rot.
Check my zone & planting dates
Full sunLight
Moderate waterAverage drainage
pH 6.0–7.5Soil
Zones 4a–8bHardiness
20″ tall24″ wide
ResistantDeer · rabbits resistant
Not known toxicPets
Huckleberry saysTell me where you grow and I’ll check if Very Van Gogh will thrive there.
Hardy in zones 4a–8b
Spring or early fall.
Your year with Very Van Gogh
When it arrives
Plugs arrive in active growth. Water the tray right away, set it in bright light out of harsh wind, and plant within a few days. If you wait, bump them into 3–4" pots. Harden off for a week before planting out, and keep the root ball moist the first 3–4 weeks.
Spring or early fall.
Set the crown at soil level; keep mulch off the crown.
12–18" apart, by variety size.
Loam with organic matter · pH 6.0–7.5
Fix-it tip: Add compost to sandy soil; loosen clay or raise the bed so winter water drains away from the crown.
Full sun (tolerates light shade, with floppier spikes).
6+ hours of sun keeps spikes upright and blooming.
Don’t give up on it
Low green leafy rosettes appear in early spring; flower spikes follow in late spring to early summer.
Clean up old stems.
Deadhead to the base for rebloom.
Cut back if you like.
Keep soil from staying wet.
First season: Water weekly the first season, keeping soil evenly moist but not soggy.
After that: Moderate drought tolerance; water in dry spells for best rebloom.
Light compost topdressing in spring.
When spikes fade, cut them back to the leafy base to encourage another round of bloom. Cut plants back in late fall or early spring.
Every 3–4 years in spring, when the center opens up.
Very cold hardy (zone 3). Wet winter soil is the main danger.
Handles summer heat. Powdery mildew can appear in humid weather or with crowding.
No rebloomLikely cause: Spent spikes left on
What to do: Cut back to the leafy base after bloom
Center dies outLikely cause: Old, crowded clump
What to do: Divide in spring
White powder on leavesLikely cause: Powdery mildew
What to do: Space for air flow; water at the base
Plant rotted over winterLikely cause: Waterlogged soil
What to do: Replant in better-drained soil
Yellowing and a rotting crown mean too wet, especially over winter. Brown lower leaves and short bloom mean too dry.
Not listed by ASPCA; no known toxicity reported. Discourage pets from chewing any garden plant.
Deer: resistant · Rabbits: resistant
Finnegan saysStill not sure what’s wrong? Ask Plant Health — describe it or add a photo.
Good in pots · 1 gallon+
Compact types do well in pots. Shelter pots in harsh winters.
Outdoor plant
Not suited to indoor growing.
Best after a cold winter
Normal winter dormancy supports strong bloom.
Plugs from the tray
3–4 inch pots for 3–5 weeks, until roots hold the soil
Garden bed or a 1 gallon potTime to move up? Slide the plant out: if white roots wrap the outside of the soil, it’s ready for the next size.
Planting with lavender
Plant it right alongside lavender
Shares lavender's full sun and drainage needs. Its upright purple, blue and pink spikes echo lavender's shape; give it a little extra water in summer.
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