Veronica spicata Icicle

Veronica spicata 'Icicle' is a variety of spike speedwell that stands out for its architectural, dense clumps, producing very well-structured white spikes of tiny flowers that are tightly packed from June to August, if faded flowers are removed. This lovely perennial forms a brilliantly flowering mass in borders, pots, and at the front of beds, attracting lots of butterflies. It is very hardy and thrives in any well-drained to dry garden soil, in full sun. Its flowers are perfect for bouquets.

This Veronica, from the Plantaginaceae family, is derived from Veronica spicata or spike speedwell, a perennial plant that mainly grows in mountains, up to 2000 meters (6562 feet) in altitude, and occasionally in plains. It can be found in meadows, dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and at the edge of forests, mostly on limestone soil.

The 'Icicle' variety is particularly low, well-branched, and exceptionally floriferous; it reaches about 30 cm (12in) high and 45 cm (18in) wide Its leaves can be opposite but are often whorled in groups of three or four. Their fairly narrow and lanceolate, 6 to 12 cm (2 to 5in) long leaves, with a short petiole, are deeply toothed and dark green, slightly greyish. It will flower from June to August, provided faded spikes are regularly removed. The inflorescences are very dense, slender spikes of tiny, overlapping, tubular, pure white or sometimes pinkish flowers with four petals and two prominent stamens. The nectar-rich flowers attract numerous pollinating insects.

This hardy Veronica prefers well-drained to dry soils and thrives in various regions, including mountain gardens. It pairs well with many plants and creates magnificent summer compositions in borders, at the front of large beds, in rockeries, and in containers on the terrace. Plant it alongside Nepetas, Galanes, Helenias, Astilbe 'Vision in Pink', Filipendula rubra 'Venusta', and Sidalcea, for example. In a wilder style, this perennial forms a very successful combination with not-too-tall grasses such as Carex, Festuca, and stipa. Its flowers can be used to create beautiful bouquets with pink or red roses, hydrangeas, ranunculus, and asters.