Foxxy Feet Speedwell, a specific cultivar of Veronica spicata, offers gardeners a charming and manageable flowering perennial. Its compact nature and beautiful blooms make it a popular choice. Its ease of care and appealing aesthetic contribute to its widespread appeal.
Key Characteristics
Veronica spicata ‘Foxxy Feet’ typically forms a compact, mounding growth habit. This cultivar generally reaches a mature size of about 12 to 18 inches in both height and spread. The leaves are lance-shaped and a deep green, providing a consistent backdrop for the vibrant flowers.
Its spires of violet-blue flowers emerge from late spring through mid-summer. These dense, slender flower spikes create a strong vertical element. The flowers open progressively from the base upward, ensuring a prolonged display of color.
Growing and Care Requirements
‘Foxxy Feet’ Speedwell thrives in locations that receive full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, although it can tolerate some partial shade. While it tolerates light shade, too much shade can result in fewer blooms.
Well-draining soil is crucial, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or even clay, as long as drainage is good. The plant prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH, but it can also tolerate slightly acidic conditions.
Once established, ‘Foxxy Feet’ Speedwell is relatively drought-tolerant, meaning it requires less supplemental watering. During its first year, consistent moisture is beneficial to promote strong root development; new plants should be watered daily, gradually reducing frequency. After establishment, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 10 days to two weeks, adjusting for dry spells.
Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages the plant to produce more blooms and helps maintain a tidy appearance. You can snip individual faded spikes or shear back the entire plant by about half in mid-summer to encourage a fresh flush of flowers. This perennial is generally resistant to common pests and diseases, though it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Ideal Garden Uses
The compact size and upright flower spikes of ‘Foxxy Feet’ Speedwell make it suitable for various garden applications. It performs well when planted in the front of perennial borders. Its modest dimensions also allow it to be effectively used in rock gardens, where it can add vertical interest without overwhelming other plants.
‘Foxxy Feet’ is a good choice for container plantings due to its upright growth. When planted in masses, it forms a cohesive display of color. The plant’s ability to attract pollinators, such as butterflies.