Veronica
Veronica, or speedwell, sends up slender, tapering spires densely packed with tiny star-shaped flowers in purple, blue, pink or white. Florists use these graceful spikes as a line-and-filler flower that adds vertical movement, colour and a natural, garden-grown feel. The blooms open gradually from the base upward, giving a long display and useful height. Airy yet structural, veronica is a summer favourite for loose, romantic arrangements.
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Europe and Asia |
| Peak season | June, July, August |
| Availability | May, June, July, August, September |
| Stem length | 40–70 cm |
| Vase life | 6–10 days |
| Colors | purple, blue, pink, white |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stems on an angle and strip the lower leaves before conditioning in cool water with flower food. Let the spikes hydrate for several hours; veronica is a thirsty drinker, so keep vases topped up. Remove faded lower florets to keep the spike looking fresh. Keep cool and away from drafts to slow petal drop.
- •Strip lower foliage before conditioning
- •Keep water topped up — a thirsty stem
- •Remove spent lower florets
- •Use flower food in clean water
- •Keep cool to extend the display
2 named veronica (speedwell) cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Botanical reference
- Common name
- Breckland Spiked Speedwell
- Also known as
- speedwell, spiked speedwell, Pseudolysimachion spicatum hybridum, Pseudolysimachium spicatum, Veronica clusii, Veronica incana, Veronica laeta, Veronica longifolia, Veronica spicata hybrida, Veronica spicata vulgaris
- Distribution
- Albania, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Veronica in season?
Veronica peaks in June, July, August, and florists can usually source it May, June, July, August, September. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Veronica last in a vase?
Expect 6–10 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Veronica?
Good substitutes for Veronica include Delphinium, Larkspur, Snapdragon, Statice, Monkshood. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Veronica symbolise?
Veronica is associated with fidelity, loyalty, lasting love.
How do you care for cut Veronica?
Strip lower foliage before conditioning
Related flowers
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Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Veronica”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/veronica/<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/veronica/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Veronica</a>