Spiked Speedwell

How to grow Spiked Speedwell

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in spring or autumn towards the front of a sunny border, or in a gravel garden. It needs sharp drainage in winter more than it needs feeding — waterlogged soil is what usually kills it.

Pruning

Cut the flower spikes off as they fade and a second, lighter flush often follows in late summer. Cut the plant back to the basal foliage in autumn or leave it until spring.

Propagation

Divide in spring or autumn every three years or so to keep clumps vigorous. Basal cuttings taken in late spring root readily.

Pests and diseases

Powdery mildew and downy mildew both occur, more often on crowded plants in still air. Slugs damage new shoots in spring.

Value to wildlife

The upright spikes are worked by bees and hoverflies through midsummer, and small butterflies visit them.

Notes

Congested old clumps flower less and open out in the middle; regular division is the fix. It performs poorly in shade, becoming lax and shy of flowering.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Veronica spicata but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Veronica