speedwell ‘Eveline’
Veronica longifolia ‘Eveline’ (speedwell ‘Eveline’), a great plant to bring seasonal interest to your garden. Speedwell flowers from May-June/July, producing bright magenta flowers on erect, densely-flowered, tapered racemes (flower spikes).
This member of the Plantaginaceae is native to Europe, where the genus is comprised of a collection of annual, perennial, and small shrub plants. Speedwell is a perennial in the U.S. and grows well in USDA Zones 4-8. ‘Eveline’ grows up to 60 cm tall with up to a 45 cm spread when planted in full-sun and medium moisture soils. Plants grow best when consistent moisture is supplied; however, root rot will become an issue if over-watered. Once established, plants will tolerate browsing by rabbits and deer.
The selection known as V. ‘Eveline’ was chosen based on its strong upright, vertical growth habit and bright flower color. ‘Eveline’ is the result of hybridization between two unidentified cultivars of V. longifolia.
As flowers fade, racemes may be cut back to stimulate a second flowering. Consider taking advantage of the strong upright habit of V. longifolia ‘Eveline’ by inter-planting later-flowering plants that will use speedwell for support. At Lurie Garden, Oligoneuron album (prairie flat-top goldenrod) is inter-planted with V. longifolia ‘Eveline’ so as speedwell flowers fade, O. album flowers begin protruding through the supporting stems of ‘Eveline’.
| Botanical Name | Veronica longifolia ‘Eveline’ |
| Common Name | speedwell ‘Eveline’ |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| USDA Zone | 4 thru 8 |
| Light Requirement | Full Sun |
| Season(s) of interest | spring, summer, fall, winter |
| Height and Spread | 1-2ft x 0.75-1ft (30-60cm x 22-30cm) |
| Flower Color | Pink, Purple |
| Attracts Wildlife | Attracts Pollinators, Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores |
| Additional Information | Not Native to the US Midwest. Horticultural origin. V. longifolia native to Europe and Asia |
| Location in Lurie Garden | North Dark Plate, East Meadow |
Average Flowering Time
