Maddie James
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles', commonly known as Spike Speedwell, is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial that produces slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers. It is a popular choice for gardens due to its compact size, vibrant blooms, and disease-resistant foliage. With a height of 15-18 inches, it is often used for edging or in containers, adding a touch of elegance to patios and balconies. While it is attractive to butterflies, Spike Speedwell is known to be resistant to deer and rabbits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Spiked Speedwell |
| Genus | Veronica spicata |
| Height | 15-18 inches |
| Width | 12-15 inches |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Ease of Growth | Easy |
| Care | Low-maintenance |
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, average |
| Deer-Resistant | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is deer-resistant
Veronica spicata Royal Candles, also known as Spike Speedwell, is a deer-resistant plant. It is regarded as one of the best upright forms of Speedwell, with a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial producing dense, slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. The flowers, which grow to a height of about 15-18 inches, open from the base upward and sway above the bushy foliage mound of lance-shaped, deep green leaves.
Royal Candles is an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or as an accent plant in a rose garden. It is also ideal for the front of the border, as an edging, or in containers, where it will create a dramatic impact. This variety is known for its excellent disease resistance, ensuring healthy foliage that complements the vibrant blooms.
Royal Candles is easy to grow and requires very low care. It is fairly pest and disease-free, although it does have some susceptibility to mildew. It is attractive to butterflies but resistant to rabbits and deer.
To care for Royal Candles, it should be planted in well-draining, average soil conditions and watered until it becomes well-established. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is suitable for zones 3 to 8.
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Deer-resistant perennials
Deer can be a real nuisance for gardeners, and while there are few sure-fire ways to keep them away from your plants, one option is to choose deer-resistant perennials. Even these resistant varieties can be vulnerable in the first few weeks after planting, when their leaf tissue is especially nitrogen-rich. However, once established, these perennials are much less palatable to deer. Here are some examples of deer-resistant perennials that can add beauty and interest to your garden:
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' (Spike Speedwell): This elegant, bushy, upright perennial produces dense spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. It is deer-resistant, easy to grow, and requires very little care. It is also attractive to butterflies and can add a dramatic impact to the front of a border or in containers.
Daffodils, Peonies, and Shasta Daisies: These classic flowers are often left alone by deer and can bring colour and charm to your garden.
Rosemallow, Yarrow, and Irises: These perennials offer a range of colours and textures and are typically avoided by deer.
Mountain Mint and Catmint: Deer tend to steer clear of these fragrant herbs, making them a great addition to your garden.
Snapdragons, Vinca, and Marigolds: These annuals are usually not bothered by deer and can add seasonal colour to your garden.
In addition to these options, you can also explore deer-resistant shrubs such as bayberry, inkberry holly, boxwood, and dappled willow. Remember, while these plants are deer-resistant, it's always a good idea to take additional measures to protect your garden, especially if you have a high deer population in your area.
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Deer-resistant plants with aromatic herbs
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles', commonly known as Spike Speedwell, is a deer-resistant plant. It is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial that produces dense, slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. It is attractive to butterflies and makes an excellent small-scale edging plant along sidewalks and paths.
When it comes to deer-resistant plants with aromatic herbs, there are several options to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions for deer-resistant plants with aromatic herbs:
- Sage plants are among the most popular deer-resistant ornamentals. They offer a diverse range of floral colours and aromatic leaves that repel deer. The Salvia genus includes hundreds of varieties, such as white sage, Russian sage, and blue sage.
- Mint, thyme, French tarragon, and chives are aromatic perennial herbs that have scents that deer dislike. Interplanting these herbs throughout your garden may help deter deer.
- Lavender is another classic perennial herb or subshrub known for its pleasant smell, which deer tend to avoid. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most commonly grown type and is effective in repelling not only deer but also ants.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a well-known catmint plant that is classified as an herb. While it may not be grown for its ornamental value, its scent is effective in deterring deer.
- Oregano contains strong essential oils called carvacrol and thymol, which have a fragrance that often repels deer. Its presence in the garden can help keep deer at bay.
- Foxglove is a deer-resistant perennial that thrives in both sun and shade. It is known to send deer looking for food elsewhere.
- North Star® boxwood is a versatile evergreen that is well-suited for a deer-resistant garden. It comes in various shapes and sizes and is deer-resistant due to its strong scent.
These suggestions provide a combination of deer-resistant plants and aromatic herbs that can help reduce deer damage in your garden while also offering aesthetic appeal and pleasant scents for humans.
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Where to plant Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles'
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial that produces dense, slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. It is regarded by many as the best upright form of Speedwell. The plant is both heat and cold hardy in Zones 3–8.
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is an excellent choice for the front of a border, as an edging, or in containers. It can also be used in rock gardens and is great for small-scale edging along sidewalks and paths. It is also a good choice for the border of a perennial garden. The plant is resistant to deer and rabbits.
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' prefers full sun, although in warmer climates, it performs best when grown under partial shade. It grows well in a moist, well-drained medium with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.2. It requires frequent irrigation and is a moderate feeder. To promote additional blooms, remove spent flowers and shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering.
For continuous blooming, it is recommended to deadhead or remove the old blooms. To force the plant to bloom out of season, provide a cold period for the plant, as Veronicas have an obligate cold requirement to flower.
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Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' care
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is a low-maintenance, upright perennial plant, commonly known as Spike Speedwell. It is regarded as one of the best upright forms of Speedwell and is characterised by its bushy, clump-forming growth habit. The Royal Candles variety produces dense, slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. These flowers are attractive to butterflies and open from the base upward, swaying above the bushy foliage mound.
Planting and Location:
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in moist, organically rich soil with a neutral pH. This plant is commonly used in borders, edging, or containers. It can also be planted along sidewalks and paths, creating a dramatic impact with its elegant, vertical growth. When planting, ensure that you space the plants 12 to 15 inches apart to allow for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration.
Watering and Fertilising:
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' has moderate watering needs. Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Fertiliser is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertiliser in early spring can promote healthy growth.
Pruning and Deadheading:
To maintain the plant's appearance and promote re-blooming, remove spent flowers (a process known as deadheading). Shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering. In spring, cut back any remaining old growth to make way for new foliage and flowers.
Disease and Pest Control:
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it has some susceptibility to mildew. Keep an eye out for mildew, especially in humid or wet conditions, and treat with appropriate fungicides if necessary.
Propagation and Division:
Propagation is typically done by dividing the clumps in early spring or fall. This helps to maintain the plant's vigour and can also be used to create new plants for other areas of the garden or to share with fellow gardeners.
Overall, Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is a resilient and easy-to-grow perennial that adds colour and interest to summer gardens. With its low-maintenance nature and deer resistance, it is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking beautiful, yet fuss-free plants.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is deer resistant. It is also rabbit resistant.
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is regarded by many as the best upright form of Speedwell. It is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial that produces dense, slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer.
You can buy Royal Candles from online retailers such as Amazon and Bloomindesigns. You can also purchase them from nurseries such as Patuxent Nursery.
