Magic Show® 'Wizard of Ahhs' Spike Speedwell

The Magic Show® 'Wizard of Ahhs' Spike Speedwell, a Veronica hybrid, presents an array of enticing attributes for garden enthusiasts. With its compact stature reaching 14 to 16 inches in height and spreading 18 to 22 inches wide, it fits seamlessly into borders or containers. Its thick spikes boast enchanting violet-blue flowers, which bloom prolifically from early to mid-summer, attracting bees and butterflies while resisting deer. Thriving in zones 4 to 8, this top seller displays excellent salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal landscapes. It flourishes in part sun to full sun exposure, though partial shade is also tolerated.

Its preference for average to moist, well-drained soil accommodates a range of garden conditions, from acidic to alkaline. Low maintenance in nature, occasional shearing after flowering ensures its compact shape and encourages continuous blooming, making it a versatile and enchanting addition to any landscape or garden design.

The Magic Show® 'Wizard of Ahhs' Spike Speedwell offers versatile landscaping uses, making it an excellent choice for various garden designs and settings:

• Borders: Its compact size and prolific blooms make it ideal for border plantings, where it can add a pop of color and texture to garden edges.
• Containers: This plant thrives in containers, allowing for easy placement on patios, balconies, or other outdoor spaces where its vibrant blooms can be enjoyed up close.
• Mass Plantings: The abundance of violet-blue flowers creates a striking visual impact when planted en masse, making it perfect for filling larger garden areas with color and charm.
• Coastal Gardens: With its salt tolerance, the Spike Speedwell is well-suited for coastal landscapes, where it can withstand the challenging conditions often found in these environments.
• Wildlife Gardens: Its attractive blooms attract bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens aimed at supporting pollinators.
• Cut Flowers: The flowers of Spike Speedwell make lovely cut flowers, adding beauty to indoor arrangements and bouquets.
• Landscape Accents: Whether planted individually or in groups, this plant serves as a charming landscape accent, enhancing the visual appeal of garden beds, borders, or other focal points in the landscape.

Planting and caring for the Magic Show® 'Wizard of Ahhs' Spike Speedwell is relatively straightforward, ensuring its health and beauty in your garden:

• Light Requirement: Plant in an area with part sun to full sun exposure. While it can tolerate partial shade, it will bloom best in full sun.
• Soil: Choose a location with average to moist, well-drained soil. Spike Speedwell can adapt to various soil types, including acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils.
• Watering: Once established, water occasionally, especially during periods of extreme heat or if planted in containers. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Maintenance: This plant is relatively low maintenance. After flowering, shear back the spent flower spikes to encourage new growth and continued blooming. Removing dead or damaged foliage will help maintain its overall appearance.
• Fertilization: Generally, Spike Speedwell doesn't require heavy fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer in spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, provide a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots during winter. This is especially important for plants in their first year of growth.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you can ensure that your Magic Show® 'Wizard of Ahhs' Spike Speedwell thrives and continues to enchant with its vibrant blooms and lush foliage throughout the growing season.