Veronica

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General Description/History

With over 500 species there are many more Veronicas used as garden plants than as cut flowers, as most are short-stemmed or ground covers. The exceptions are V. virginica and V. spicata. V. virginica, also called Culver’s Root, has long spikes filled with small, white, tubular flowers. There can be 6 or more spikes per branch. The root, as the name suggests, was used as an herbal remedy for stomach upsets. V. spicata has one spike per branch that may be white, blue or pink in colour; flower-heads are long, sometimes curved spikes with the lowest flowers opening first. Leaves of both species are long and lance-shaped and a soft olive-green in colour.

Veronicas are grown in polyhouses. Supplies come mostly from Victoria, Qld and NSW.

Types: Veronica virginica, V. spicata

What to look for

  • Buy when 1/3 to ½ of the lower flowers in the spikes are open;
  • Avoid bunches with yellow leaves, or those with flowers that drop when bunches are shaken.

Flower Care

  1. Keep cool at all times.
  2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem, and wash stem ends under the tap.
  3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
  4. Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open.
  5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.
  6. Veronicas are very sensitive to ethylene. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

These flowers were named in honour of St Veronica, because the markings of some species of Veronica resemble a face. When Christ was labouring beneath the heavy cross, He faltered, and a maiden, St. Veronica, rushed forward to wipe the perspiration from His brow. An impression of His face was found upon her napkin.

Botanical Name: Veronica virginica, V. spicata

Common Names: Speedwell, Veronica

Stem Length: 30 to 60 cm

Country of Origin: V. spicata: Northern Europe; V. virginica: USA

Available Colours: Blue, Pink, White

Season: Summer,Spring

Availability: January,February,September,October,November,Decemeber