How to Grow Wisley Blue
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Wisley Blue
Veronica spicata 'Wisley Blue'
flowerWisley Blue is a compact, herbaceous perennial cultivar of speedwell featuring striking deep blue-purple flower spikes that bloom from summer through fall. This low-growing variety is prized for its vibrant color, long flowering period, and excellent garden performance in borders and rock gardens. It's a reliable, low-maintenance plant that attracts pollinators.
When should you plant Wisley Blue in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Wisley Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wisley Blue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Wisley Blue blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wisley Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very delicate and slow-growing initially
Provide bright light, keep soil moist but not waterlogged, maintain 60-70°F, thin seedlings if crowded
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksPlant develops bushy, compact form with lanceolate leaves; no flowers yet
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness, maintain consistent moisture, fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches mature size and begins forming flower buds at stem tips
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming over excessive foliage, ensure full sun exposure
Flowering
8-12 weeksDistinctive dense spikes of deep blue-purple flowers emerge and bloom profusely
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming season, water consistently, provide afternoon shade in very hot climates
Post-bloom/Dormancy
Variable, several monthsFlowers fade and plant enters senescence; foliage may decline in appearance
Cut back spent stems to ground level in fall or early spring, mulch over winter in colder zones, allow some seedheads for self-seeding
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, spray with sulfur or neem oil if needed, remove affected leaves
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Increase humidity around plant, spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, ensure adequate watering
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and
Remove debris and mulch that provides shelter, hand-pick, use copper barriers, apply slug bait if necessary
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Improve air circulation, remove infected leaves, avoid wetting foliage, apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Edible flowers for garnish
CulinaryThe delicate blue flower spikes can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding visual appeal and a slightly bitter herbal note. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalVeronica species have been used in traditional herbalism to support respiratory health and as a mild diuretic, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it excellent for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdThe long-lasting flower spikes make excellent additions to fresh floral arrangements, providing vertical interest and distinctive blue color. [source]
Dried flower arrangements
CraftFlowers can be dried and used in permanent floral arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower crafts while retaining good color. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly by pinching or cutting just below the faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming through summer and fall. Cut stems back to 6 inches in late fall after flowering concludes or in early spring before new growth emerges. Can be cut for fresh arrangements when flowers first open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Wisley Blue was named after the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Wisley in Surrey, England, one of the world's leading horticultural institutions.
- 🌱 Veronica spicata has been used in gardens for centuries and was mentioned in European herbals dating back to the 16th century.
- 🌱 The plant's common name 'speedwell' comes from an old tradition of saying farewell to travelers, wishing them 'Godspeed'; the plant was given to departing friends.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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