So, you've stumbled upon the Royal Candles Speedwell (Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles'), and your garden is begging for a touch of regal flair? Excellent choice! This compact, upright beauty is more than just a pretty face; it's a low-maintenance, pollinator-attracting powerhouse that'll have your neighbors green with envy (unless they already have one, in which case, solidarity!). This article is your comprehensive guide to everything Speedwell, from understanding its needs to ensuring those magnificent, candle-like blooms year after year.
The appeal of Royal Candles is immediate. Those vibrant, vertical spikes of purple flowers, often reaching a foot or more in height, create a stunning visual effect. But beyond its aesthetic value, the plant is remarkably adaptable. It thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you're aiming for a classic cottage garden or a more modern, minimalist landscape, the Royal Candles Speedwell plant effortlessly fits the bill.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's clarify a few things. "Speedwell" refers to a whole genus of plants. "Royal Candles" is a specific cultivar, a carefully selected and bred variety of Veronica spicata. This means it shares characteristics with other speedwells but boasts unique qualities, such as its compact size and intense color. Understanding this distinction is crucial for choosing the right plant for your garden and ensuring you provide it with the best possible care.
Royal Candles Speedwell is a perennial, meaning it returns year after year, unlike those fleeting annuals that demand constant replanting. Its foliage is typically a rich green, providing a lovely backdrop for the vibrant flower spikes. These spikes, the "candles" themselves, are packed with tiny individual flowers that attract a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Think of it as your own personal buzzing, fluttering garden party.
The plant typically reaches a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and a similar width, making it a good fit for smaller spaces. It's a clump-forming plant, which means it spreads outwards from a central point, gradually filling in the area where it's planted. This growth habit makes it ideal for borders, rock gardens, and even container gardening. Furthermore, it's known for its relatively long bloom time, often gracing your garden with color from late spring through summer.
One of the most appealing aspects of Royal Candles is its relatively low maintenance. Once established, it's drought-tolerant and doesn't require a lot of fussing. This makes it a fantastic choice for gardeners who want a beautiful garden without spending hours on upkeep. It's a hardy perennial that can withstand a range of climates, from cooler regions to warmer ones, provided its basic needs are met.
Let's get down to the practical stuff. Royal Candles Speedwell thrives in full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, the plant will produce fewer blooms and might appear leggy. Aim for a location that receives ample sunlight to ensure those vibrant flower spikes.
Well-draining soil is another key factor. Speedwell doesn't like "wet feet," so soil that retains too much moisture can lead to root rot. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0 to 7.0) for optimal growth. A simple soil test can help determine the pH and any necessary amendments.
Planting is straightforward. Dig a hole that's slightly wider than the root ball of your Speedwell plant. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots if they're root-bound. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, gently tamping it down, and water thoroughly. Space plants about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Water regularly after planting until established, then reduce watering frequency as the plant becomes more drought-tolerant.
Once established, Royal Candles Speedwell is a relatively low-maintenance plant. However, a few simple practices can help ensure its continued health and beauty. Deadheading, or removing spent flower spikes, encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season. Simply snip off the faded flower stalks at their base.
Watering is typically only needed during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of caution. Mulching around the base of the plant with organic matter, such as shredded bark or compost, helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. A layer of mulch is a great addition to any garden, providing several benefits at once.
Fertilizing is generally not required, as Royal Candles Speedwell is not a heavy feeder. However, you can feed your plants a balanced fertilizer in early spring or late fall to encourage growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. Keep an eye out for common garden pests, such as aphids or spider mites, and address them promptly with insecticidal soap or other appropriate treatments.
Want more Royal Candles? Excellent! Propagating this plant is relatively easy. The most common methods are division and stem cuttings.
Division is best done in spring or fall. Carefully dig up the entire clump of Speedwell. Gently separate the roots, making sure each division has a healthy portion of roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in your desired locations, following the planting guidelines mentioned earlier. Division is also a great way to rejuvenate an overgrown plant and maintain its vigor.
Stem cuttings can be taken in spring or early summer. Select healthy, non-flowering stems. Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) section just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional). Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Place the cutting in a bright location but away from direct sunlight. Roots should develop in a few weeks, and you can then transplant the new plant to its permanent location.
Even the most well-cared-for plants can encounter problems. Here's a quick rundown of common issues and how to tackle them:
Keep in mind that prevention is key. Proper planting, adequate sunlight, and well-draining soil can go a long way in preventing many common problems. Regular inspection of your plants will help you catch any issues early on.
The beauty of the Royal Candles Speedwell lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its versatility. Consider the following tips to maximize the potential of this plant:
Here are some of the most common questions about Royal Candles Speedwell:
Water regularly after planting until established, then reduce watering frequency. Once established, it's drought-tolerant. Water during prolonged dry spells, typically once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Yes! Royal Candles Speedwell is a pollinator magnet. The vibrant flower spikes are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Planting this plant in your garden helps create a thriving ecosystem.
Absolutely! Royal Candles Speedwell does very well in containers. Choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix. Make sure to water regularly, especially during hot weather.