Veronica spicata Bubblegum Candles

Veronica spicata 'Bubblegum Candles' is a new variety of hybrid Veronica that stands out for its compact habit and its brightly coloured, long-lasting summer flowering. Its stout, dense spikes are tightly packed with tiny, deep and intense pink flowers, rising above abundant dark green foliage. This lovely perennial forms a flowery mass, covered in butterflies in borders or containers. It is very hardy and easy to grow in any deep and moist, good garden soil, in full sun or partial shade. Its flowers are perfect for cutting.

Veronica spicata 'Bubblegum Candles' is the dwarf version of Veronica spicata 'Rotfuchs'. Veronica spicata is a perennial plant from the Plantaginaceae family, formerly classified in the Scrophulariaceae family, mainly growing in mountains, up to 2000 metres (6562 feet) above sea level, rarely in the plains. It is found growing in meadows, dry grasslands, rocky slopes and at the edge of forests, mostly on limestone soil.

'Bubblegum Candles' is very low, well-branched and floriferous and will reach about 20 cm (8in) high and 25 cm (10in) wide. Its leaves can be opposite, but are often whorled in groups of three or four. The leaves are fairly narrow and lanceolate, 6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in) long, with a short petiole, deeply toothed and dark green with a slight greyish tint. Flowering will continue from June to September as long as faded flowers are regularly removed. The inflorescences are very dense clusters, like stout spikes, tightly packed with tiny flowers. These intense pink, nectar-rich flowers are tubular, formed by four petals and two prominent stamens and attract many pollinating insects.

Preferring well-drained but moist soils, 'Bubblegum Candles' is a hardy plant that will thrive in many regions. It goes well with many plants and creates beautiful summer compositions, in borders, at the front of large beds, and in containers on the terrace. You can plant it with Nepetas, Galaneas, Helenas, Astilbe 'Vision in Pink', Filipendula rubra 'Venusta', and Sidalcea. In a wilder style, this perennial forms a very successful combination with shorter grasses such as Carex, Festuca, Stipa... Its flowers can be used to create beautiful bouquets, with white or red roses, hydrangeas, or ranunculus, asters.