Veronica spicata Pink Marshmallow

Veronica spicata 'Pink Marshmallow' is an excellent variety of hybrid Veronica selected for its compact habit, very healthy foliage, and superb pink flowers. It is a robust perennial with generous, charming, nectar-rich flowers. It produces numerous upright, architectural spikes covered with silvery pink buds that open into small flowers ranging from bright pink to soft pink. Put this lovely plant in a border, at the front of a bed, or in a container.

Veronica 'Pink Marshmallow' is a horticultural creation resulting from the cross-breeding of two botanical species: Veronica longifolia (long-leaved veronica) and V. spicata (spiked veronica). It is a perennial plant of the plantain family, formerly classified in the figwort family. Very cold-resistant (-30 °C (-22°F)), this selection is also fairly drought tolerant and its foliage is not susceptible to leaf spot diseases (mildew, powdery mildew, rust...). It tolerates limestone well.

This 'Pink Marshmallow' cultivar has dense and fairly low vegetation, reaching about 45 cm (18in) high when flowering and 30-40 cm (12-16in) in diameter. Its hairy stems bear lanceolate, lovely dark green leaves, with finely toothed edges. In summer, from June to August and sometimes until September, it produces tiny star-shaped, nectar-rich flowers tightly arranged on very dense and upright spikes. The deciduous vegetation dries up in winter.

Veronica 'Pink Marshmallow' will thrive in any well-drained soil, even limestone, preferably in full sun. It prefers a bit of moisture at its base, but tolerates occasional, moderate drought quite well once established. This perennial will be very useful for dressing the base of roses or in flower borders, combined with pink echinaceas ('Butterfly Kisses') or white ('Kismet White') and blue, white, or pink perennial salvias for example. Its pink spikes add height and colour to any setting. This veronica can also be grown in pots on balconies or terraces. Its flowers are beautiful in summer bouquets.