Veronica longifolia Schneeriesin

Veronica longifolia 'Schneeriesin' is a spectacular, perennial variety of long-leaved Speedwell that stands out in summer with abundant, long, densely packed spikes of tiny white flowers. This very beautiful, dense and erect plant forms an upright mass in a generous combination of bright green foliage and sparkling candles. It is a plant for moist soil, perfect in borders or at the edge of water even in heavy clay, in full sun or partial shade.

Veronica longifolia is a herbaceous plant of the plantain family, found in northern and central Europe and Asia. It forms fairly tall clumps, with erect stems sometimes reaching over 1 m (3ft) in the wild and easily hybridizes with Veronica spicata. The 'Schneeriesin' variety is a very floriferous white form that will reach 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28in)high and 60 cm (24in) wide. Its leaves can be opposite but are often whorled in groups of three or four. Fairly narrow and lanceolate, with a short petiole, they are bright green and deeply toothed. It flowers in June-July in very dense racemes (clusters) of tightly packed tiny flowers, resembling long narrow spikes. They are tubular, snow white, and formed by four petals and two very clear protruding stamens. The nectar-rich flowers are followed by fruits that are spineless heart-shaped capsules.

This hardy Veronica is easy to grow, blends well with lots of plants and forms magnificent summer compositions, especially on the banks of a pond. Plant it alongside Eupatoriums, Pygmy Sunflowers, Lythrum salicaria, Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' and Euphorbia palustris for example. In a more wild style, at the back of a border, this elegant perennial forms a very successful combination with tall grasses: Miscanthus, Panicum, Stipa... It will look very elegant planted with old perpetual roses, such as Felicia or Cornelia for example.