Brooke Martin
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles', also known as Spike Speedwell, is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial that produces slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. It is easy to grow and requires very little care. In this article, we will explore how to care for royal candles, including the ideal temperature, humidity, and soil conditions, as well as tips for protecting your plant from pests, diseases, and strong winds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Spike Speedwell |
| Genus | Veronica |
| Species | Spicata |
| Variety | Glory |
| Height | 15-18 inches |
| Width | 15 inches |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil Moisture | Average, medium moisture |
| Soil Drainage | Well-drained |
| Soil Type | N/A |
| Humidity | 40-70% |
| Temperature | 16-24°C |
| Fertilizer | Single annual feeding at most |
| Propagation | N/A |
| Pruning | Remove spent flowers |
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What You'll Learn
Temperature and humidity
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 easy to grow and requires very little care.
Regarding temperature and humidity, if you are growing Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' at home, it is important to maintain a temperature of 16-24°C. This temperature range will provide the ideal conditions for the plant to thrive. In terms of humidity, Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' prefers a humidity level of about 40-70%. If the air becomes too dry and the humidity drops below this range, you can increase the humidity by misting the plant or using a humidifier.
It is worth noting that spiked speedwell is tolerant of a wide range of climate conditions within its hardiness range. However, it is important to protect the plants from strong winds, as they can be easily damaged. Plant them near a structure that can provide shelter from strong winds.
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. While it tolerates light shade, consistent moisture combined with sharp soil drainage will ensure the best performance.
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Soil type
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 as one of the best upright forms of Speedwell.
When it comes to soil type, 'Royal Candles' thrive in well-drained, average to medium-moisture soil. While they can tolerate light shade, they perform best in full sun. It is important to ensure consistent moisture while also providing sharp soil drainage. This can be achieved by planting them in a location with well-drained soil or by creating a mix of soil and compost or manure.
To enhance soil drainage, you can consider amending the soil by adding organic matter or creating raised beds to improve soil structure and promote water infiltration. Additionally, avoid planting in areas that tend to become waterlogged, especially during winter, as this can negatively impact the plant's survival.
The ideal soil conditions for 'Royal Candles' involve maintaining a balance between moisture and drainage. While they require consistent moisture, it is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil, which can be detrimental. Regularly inspect the soil and adjust watering habits accordingly to find the right balance for your specific soil type and environmental conditions.
It is also worth noting that 'Royal Candles' are adaptable to a wide range of climate conditions within their hardiness range. However, it is recommended to protect them from strong winds by planting them near structures that can provide shelter.
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Shelter from strong winds
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles', also known as Spike Speedwell, is a bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial that produces dense, slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. While it is easy to grow and requires very little care, it is important to protect it from strong winds. Here are some tips to shelter your Royal Candles from strong winds:
Plant in a Protected Area
When choosing a location for your Royal Candles, look for a spot that is naturally sheltered from strong winds. Consider planting near a structure such as a wall, fence, or large shrub that can provide a windbreak. The structure will block the force of the wind and create an area of calm air on the sheltered side, protecting your Royal Candles from potential damage.
Create a Windbreak
If you cannot plant near an existing structure, you can create a windbreak by planting tall, dense shrubs or small trees upwind of your Royal Candles. Evergreen trees or shrubs with dense foliage, such as spruce or arborvitae, work particularly well. Plant them in a row or group, ensuring they are close enough to block the wind effectively. This will not only protect your Royal Candles but also create a beautiful, natural barrier in your garden.
Use a Protective Barrier
For a more temporary solution, consider using a physical barrier to block the wind. A simple garden fence or trellis can provide some protection, especially if it is placed strategically to divert the wind around your Royal Candles rather than through them. Alternatively, you can use a portable windbreak, such as a canvas screen or mesh fence, which can be easily moved around as needed.
Staking and Support
If your Royal Candles are already established and you cannot move them to a more sheltered location, consider providing individual support to each plant. Staking is a common method to provide extra stability, especially for tall or top-heavy plants. Use sturdy stakes or bamboo canes and garden twine to gently secure the stems of your Royal Candles, ensuring they have the support they need to withstand stronger winds.
Pruning and Maintenance
Proper pruning and maintenance can also help prepare your Royal Candles to better withstand strong winds. Regularly remove spent flowers and any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy and promote new growth. Additionally, shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering. A healthy, well-maintained plant will be more resilient and better able to recover from any wind damage that may occur.
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Feeding
Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is a low-maintenance, bushy, upright, clump-forming perennial that produces dense, slender spikes of star-shaped, deep blue-purple flowers from early to late summer. While it is generally an easy-care plant, there are some feeding and fertilizing practices that can help your Royal Candles thrive.
When it comes to feeding your Royal Candles, it is important to note that they can bloom well even when rarely fed. In fact, many gardeners choose to omit feeding altogether or fertilize just once every other year. However, if you want to provide some additional nutrients to your plant, you can consider the following:
For the first couple of years, it is important to keep your Royal Candles well-watered to establish strong roots. Regular watering will be necessary, especially during the growing season, and you should allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Make sure to provide adequate spacing between plants to prevent stretching caused by competition.
Fertilizing your Royal Candles once a year in the spring with a well-balanced, slow-release feed will help promote healthy foliage and vigorous growth. You can use a product like Espoma Plant-tone, applying it at the recommended rate to provide a boost of nitrogen and potash. Follow this up with another application of a flower-specific fertilizer in early summer, such as Espoma Flower-Tone, to promote a beautiful display of blooms. Remember to be cautious with products like miracle-grow, as they can burn newly planted plants when not used at the recommended rates.
In addition to fertilizer, mulching your Royal Candles can provide additional benefits. Any type of mulch will do, but cypress or hardwood mulch will provide better nutrition as they break down. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch will be sufficient, but be sure to leave a one-inch gap between the mulch and the stem or base of the plant. Mulching helps to suppress weeds, which compete with your Royal Candles for water and nutrients.
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Removing spent flowers
To deadhead spent flowers, simply pinch or cut off the faded flower spikes at their base, where they emerge from the foliage. It is important to do this regularly throughout the blooming season, which typically lasts from late spring to mid-summer, or even through late summer with proper care. Deadheading will not only promote new growth but will also enhance the overall appearance of the plant by showcasing its dark green foliage.
If you prefer a more dramatic approach, you can also shear back the foliage after flowering. This will give your Royal Candles a fresh, new look and promote the growth of healthy new leaves. However, make sure to only do this if the foliage looks worn out, as Royal Candles naturally maintain their foliage better than most Veronica varieties.
In addition to deadheading, it is important to provide adequate care for your Royal Candles to ensure their overall health and promote blooming. This includes regular watering, monthly feeding with diluted liquid fertiliser, and ensuring the plant receives full sun and excellent drainage. With the proper care and maintenance, your Royal Candles will thrive and provide a stunning display of deep blue-purple flowers.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature range for growing Royal Candles (Veronica Spicata) is 16-24°C, with a humidity level of 40-70%.
The best time to plant Royal Candles is in spring, when the soil is warm and easy to work with.
Royal Candles are quite tolerant of feeding habits and can grow well even with little to no feeding. At most, a single annual feeding will suffice, but many gardeners choose to fertilize once every other year or omit feeding altogether.
