Veronica spicata Younique Baby Red

Veronica spicata Younique Baby Red is a compact and low-growing small spike speedwell which forms a spreading clump and boasts an abundant, long summer flowering period that is almost red. Its Eye-catching, nectar-rich, upright spikes are richly coloured and attract numerous pollinators. A robust and hardy perennial plant that it thrives and spreads in sunny borders, on slopes, and in rock gardens with well-drained soil. It is also a lovely addition to bouquets and flower pots.

Veronica spicata Younique Baby Red is a selection from the 'Younique' series bred by Walter Blom in the Netherlands in 2006. It is a cross between Veronica spicata and V.austriaca species. The spike speedwell, known as Veronica spicata in Latin, is a perennial plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, formerly classified in the Scrophulariaceae family. It adapts well to most gardens with well-drained soil. The 'Younique Baby Red' variety has a compact, bushy, and vigorous habit, reaching a height of 15 cm (6in) for the foliage and 30 cm (12in) when in bloom, spreading 30-40 m (98-131ft) in diameter from its powerful semi-woody crown. Its hairy stems are branched towards the top and bear leaves that can persist through winter. They are dark green and ovate to linear with finely toothed edges. Between June and September, under favourable conditions, it produces numerous nectar-rich spikes composed of tiny, densely packed, magenta-red, star-shaped flowers. The plant may self-seed in light soil, but not always faithfully to the parent plant.

Younique Baby Red spike speedwell is particularly suitable for a rocky, alpine garden. It can be planted along the edge of a bed or pathway, at the base of taller plants, on a slope, in a rock garden, or even in a pot. It can be paired with echinaceas, perennial or shrubby sages, scabious plants, and lavenders, for example. Its spikes add height and colour to a bed composed of ground-covering plants such as aubrietas, wall bellflowers, rock soapwort, or cerastiums.