VERONICA

Description

Known for its showy flowering spikes in an array of calming colors, Veronica is a classic garden flower that is closely related to snapdragons, foxgloves and beardtongues. With origins in Europe and East Asia, Veronica was historically grown as a food source or for its applications in herbal medicines, serving in tonics that could treat asthma and alleviate allergy-related congestion. Since it was said to treat these ailments in a speedy manner, Veronica was given the common name of speedwell. It was also associated with an age-old tradition of Irish seafaring communities, where travelers were gifted with Veronica flowers to help keep them safe along their journeys. Today, designers and home growers alike prize Veronica plants for their abundant blossoms that enliven floral displays with texture, color and grace.

A member of the Plantaginaceae family, the Veronica genus comprises over 500 species of flowering perennial and annual herbs, most of which are used as cut flowers or potted plants. Their most noteworthy physical attribute is their erect, blooming spikes that showcase florets in a broad spectrum of colors—such as blue, purple, lilac, pink and white shades. Veronica stems, which grow in clumps up to 122 cm in height, are covered in small, tubular florets that accumulate in dense clusters. These open from the base upward and are arranged vertically to create a spike-like raceme (usually 30 cm long). Medium green, lance-shaped leaves also decorate the stems’ bottoms and offer nice visual contrast against the plant's usually blue or lilac blossoms.

Cultivars of V. longifolia are most commonly used in the cut flower trade. Some popular examples include 'Blue Giantess' (lavender-blue flowers), 'Blue John' (blue-purple flowers), 'Charlotte' (white flowers) and 'Eveline' (purple-red flowers). V. spicata (spiked speedwell) is also a well known species, particularly for its attractive colors, but its cultivars often produce shorter stems. This makes them less popular options for use in design work. Additionally, Veronica plants are sometimes confused with members of the Lamiaceae (mint) family; both contain species with leaves that look very similar. The best way to tell Veronica plants apart from other comparable species is by their rounded stems; mint family plants usually have square-sided stems.

Given their distinctive shape and pleasing colors, Veronica flowers are prime decorative fillers for wedding work and seasonal arrangements. To add contrast and strong vertical interest, combine Veronica with other delicate cut flowers, like Ranunculus or garden roses. Their array of colors also combine well with a variety of color palettes. Potted or garden types are favored by home growers for their long bloom time and ease of care. They not only provide texture and a splash of color, but also draw in crowds of butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinating animals.

Colors: Blue, lilac, purple, pink, white

Special Care

Select unmarked stems with half of its florets open and the other half closed. Avoid stems with soft, limp leaves or those showing any signs of disease. Veronica plants are especially susceptible to foliar diseases, like powdery mildew, and botrytis, so make sure to keep an eye out for these. 

When processing, strip foliage that falls below the water line. Recut the stems about 2.5 cm at an angle (45-degrees) and hydrate them in water mixed with a floral preservative (with a biocide and anti-ethylene agent) for at least two hours. Although not required, stems can be recut under running water or in a bowl of clean water. Cutting under water may reduce the risk of air pockets forming at the stems’ base and allows the flowers to absorb water right away. Make sure to always maintain proper hydration, since Veronica tends to wilt easily if left out of water. Also keep flowers away from sources of ethylene gas.

Stems can be stored for up to two days at 37–41°F (3–5°C), but this isn’t recommended.

Fun Facts:

• The genus name Veronica is said to have connections with St. Veronica, who is well-known in the Catholic and Christian faiths for offering a cloth to Jesus so he could wipe his brow as he made his way towards his crucifixion. After handing it back to her, St. Veronica noticed it had been imprinted with an image of his holy face. This cloth (now known as the Veil of Veronica) was said to have floral markings that resemble modern Veronica flowers. Others believe the genus name comes from the Latin words “vera” (meaning true) and “icon” (meaning image).

• The specific epithet comes from the Latin word “longifolius” meaning long-leafed. This is very fitting, given the plant’s long, lance-shaped foliage.

• The largest flowering member of the Plantaginaceae (plantain) family, the Veronica genus consists of over 500 species of herbaceous annuals and perennials. The plants’ common relatives include snapdragon, foxglove and beardtongues. Oftentimes, Veronica plants are confused with members of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, since both contain species with similar-looking leaves. The best way to tell Veronica apart from other comparable species is by its rounded stems; plants within the mint family usually have square-sided stems.

• Historically, Veronica has been a common element in herbal medicines, especially ones used by Native Americans. Its plants contain compounds that help treat asthma and alleviate allergy-related congestion.

• Veronica flowers were used by Irish seafaring communities in a bygone tradition where they were given to travelers to help keep them safe. This act may have also led to the common name speedwell, since the flowers were handed off with “speed well” wishes.

• The common name speedwell may also have ties with the plant’s medicinal uses, since it was said to treat ailments in an efficient and speedy manner.

• Several Veronica cultivars have been commercialized for the cut flower trade. The most suitable flowering types used by designers today are derived from V. longifolia. Some popular examples include 'Blue Giantess' (lavender-blue flowers), 'Blue John' (blue-purple flowers), 'Charlotte' (white flowers) and 'Eveline' (purple-red flowers). V. spicata (spiked speedwell) is also a well known species, especially for its broader color availability, but its cultivars often produce shorter stems—which is not always beneficial in design work.

• Some species of Veronica are edible and quite nutritious. One such example is V. americana, which is said to taste like watercress—yum!

• In the language of flowers, Veronica symbolizes fidelity and loyalty, making it a perfect fit for bridal bouquets or arrangements to gift to someone special.