Herbs in the Landscape
Veronica (Veronica spicata)
Displaying deep blue-purple flowers on an upright stalk, veronica (aka spiked speedwell) brings charm to gardens and flower arrangements. Its native range is Europe and Asia. This is a delightful herb that is easy to grow and is low maintenance. Veronica forms clumps of flower stalks that produce tiny, star-shaped, blue-violet flowers in dense spike-like terminal racemes that taper at the top. The foliage has toothed, narrow, medium green leaves and is about 2 inches long. Veronica is a perennial in USDA zones 3-8. It grows 2-3 feet tall and 2-2.5 feet wide. Its regal flowers bloom from about June to August. It grows best in full sun and in well-drained soil. It has medium water requirements. It has short roots and thus does poorly in dry soil. There are no serious insect or disease problems associated with veronica. In wet, poorly-drained soil, root rot may occur. Veronica tolerates deer and rabbits well. The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Veronica has been used in European traditional medicine internally as a cough remedy and tonic and externally as a salve. It has been used in Korean and Chinese traditional medicine for over 100 years for respiratory problems. Historically is has been used for respiratory tract, stomach, intestine, bladder, and kidney problems, as well as for gout, arthritis, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, liver problems, and spleen diseases. It may help the stomach lining repair itself. Veronica has been used as a tonic to cause sweating, purify blood, and increase metabolism. Some people gargle with veronica as a treatment for sore throat and mouth. It can be applied directly to the skin to stop foot perspiration, heal wounds, and treat chronic skin problems and itching. A tea of veronica leaves and flowers is described as light and sweet. The leaves, flowers, and young stems can be used raw in salads or cooked in soups. The flavor is described as watercress.
Veronica is beautiful in cottage gardens, rock gardens, and borders. It looks attractive next to salvia and yarrow. It is a very good fresh cut flower for arrangements. The flowers last best by placing them immediately in water after they are cut. In European folklore, it is thought that picking veronica will cause rain or storms. In the language of flowers, it is said to represent fidelity, loyalty, and devotion.
