How big does Garden speedwell grow?

About 90 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.2 m × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Garden speedwell grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil.

Is Garden speedwell hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Garden speedwell flower?

Flowering: June–September, blue, purple, white, pink.

How much water does Garden speedwell need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Garden speedwell cost?

It sells for roughly €4.10 to €9.20 in local shops, depending on size.

Garden speedwell

Veronica longifolia

Garden speedwell (Veronica longifolia) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.10.

Illustration of Garden speedwell — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An upright, clump-forming perennial that carries long, slender lilac-blue spikes above narrow toothed leaves in summer; there are white and pink varieties too, it is good for cutting and butterflies and bees visit it readily. Plant it in sun or light part shade in evenly moist, fertile but well-drained soil, because it cannot cope with dry ground. It often flowers again once the spent spikes are cut off, and it is worth dividing every third year.

Watch out for

It does not tolerate dry soil: in the hot, droughty summers of Central Europe it wilts without watering, goes bare from the base and is then attacked by powdery mildew as well. In too much shade or in over-rich soil it grows lanky and flops, and taller varieties are worth staking. Downy mildew, leaf spot and aphids can occur, and root and crown rot in waterlogged soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, blue, purple, white, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, blue, purple, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.10

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.10 – €9.20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

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