Magic Show® 'Ever After' Spike Speedwell

The Magic Show® 'Ever After' Spike Speedwell is a perennial plant of medium height, typically growing to 14-16 inches tall and spreading 16-20 inches wide, presenting a lush and vibrant presence in any garden setting. Its foliage, a rich green in color, forms a beautiful backdrop for the striking lavender-blue flowers that bloom prolifically throughout early to mid-summer. The upright habit of this plant makes it an excellent choice for adding structure and height to garden borders, container arrangements, or as part of a mass planting scheme.

This Veronica hybrid is celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its functional qualities. It is an award-winning variety known for its long blooming period and self-cleaning flowers, which keep the plant looking fresh and tidy with minimal maintenance. Additionally, it is salt-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in coastal areas or where winter road salt might affect other less hardy plants.

The 'Ever After' cultivar is a magnet for wildlife, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden, thereby supporting pollination and enhancing biodiversity. Its deer resistance is an added advantage for gardeners in areas where deer predation is a concern, ensuring that its beauty remains unspoiled throughout the season.

The Magic Show® 'Ever After' Spike Speedwell (Veronica hybrid) is a versatile perennial that can enhance a variety of garden designs and landscaping projects with its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. Here are some specific landscaping uses for this plant:

• Border Plant: Its moderate height and striking flower spikes make it an excellent choice for garden borders. Planting it along pathways, garden beds, or property boundaries adds color and texture.
• Container Gardening: 'Ever After' is well-suited for containers due to its upright habit and manageable size. It can be the centerpiece in mixed containers or stand alone in single pots, bringing long-lasting blooms to patios, balconies, and outdoor living areas.
• Cut Flower Gardens: The long, colorful spikes of 'Ever After' are ideal for cutting and using in fresh floral arrangements. Planting this Speedwell in a designated cut flower garden will provide a steady supply of blooms throughout the flowering season.
• Landscape Accent: Used individually or in small groups, 'Ever After' can create focal points in the landscape that draw the eye. Its purple flowers and green foliage contrast beautifully with other garden plants.
• Mass Planting: Planting 'Ever After' in large groups can create a dramatic effect, especially when its blooms are at their peak. Mass plantings work well in larger garden spaces, meadows, or as a vibrant ground cover in open areas.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracting bees and butterflies, 'Ever After' is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. Its flowers provide a valuable nectar source for a variety of pollinating insects, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
• Salt-Tolerant Planting: For gardens in coastal areas or along roadsides where salt spray or de-icing salt is a concern, 'Ever After' offers salt tolerance, making it a reliable choice for challenging conditions.
• Deer-Resistant Plantings: In areas prone to deer browsing, 'Ever After' is a smart addition due to its resistance to deer. Planting it in accessible garden spots can help minimize deer damage while still enjoying vibrant floral displays.

Incorporating the Magic Show® 'Ever After' Spike Speedwell into your garden or landscaping project not only adds beauty and color but also supports local wildlife, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor space.

Planting and caring for the Magic Show® 'Ever After' Spike Speedwell (Veronica hybrid) is relatively straightforward, ensuring a healthy and vibrant display of flowers throughout the growing season. Here are some guidelines for planting and caring for this perennial:

Planting:

1. Location: Choose a planting location that receives part sun to full sun, providing at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
2. Soil: Ensure well-drained soil enriched with humus. While 'Ever After' can tolerate various soil pH levels, it prefers average to fertile soil.
3. Spacing: Plant individual specimens or groups of 'Ever After' with a spacing of 16 to 20 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
4. Planting Depth: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and plant the 'Ever After' at the same depth it was in its nursery container. Firm the soil around the plant and water thoroughly after planting.

Care:

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during periods of extreme heat or drought. Once established, water occasionally, ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged.
2. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and timing.
3. Pruning: After blooming, shear back the spent flower spikes to encourage new growth and potential reblooming. This practice also helps maintain a tidy appearance and promotes a fresh flush of flowers.
4. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid mulch contact with the plant stems to prevent rot.
5. Protection: While 'Ever After' is resistant to deer, it may benefit from protection against extreme weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy rain.
6. Dividing: Every few years, divide overcrowded clumps of 'Ever After' to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its vigor. Divide in early spring or fall for best results.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of the Magic Show® 'Ever After' Spike Speedwell in your garden for many seasons to come.