Veronica ‘Aspire’ is a compact, long-blooming perennial that adds vibrant color to any garden. It is a popular and versatile choice for enhancing outdoor spaces.
Understanding Veronica Aspire
The plant commonly known as Aspire Speedwell carries the botanical name Veronica ‘Aspire™’ (PP26,416 ‘TNVERA’). This cultivar has a bushy, compact, upright growth habit, forming a neat clump. Its foliage consists of deciduous, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that maintain their rich color throughout the growing season.
It produces dense, slender spikes of star-shaped flowers in a rich deep rose-pink hue with pink overtones. Blooms emerge from hot pink buds, opening progressively from the base upward for a prolonged display. It reaches 6 to 10 inches tall, with flower spikes up to 11 inches, and spreads 8 to 12 inches wide.
Growing and Caring for Veronica Aspire
Light Requirements
Aspire Speedwell thrives in full sun, which promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering. While it tolerates some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, insufficient sunlight reduces flower production. Adequate sunlight also helps prevent foliar diseases.
Soil Preferences
This plant requires well-drained soil. It adapts to various soil types, including clay, sand, loam, or silt, provided good drainage. Aspire Speedwell prefers average, medium moisture soil rich in organic matter. The ideal pH ranges from 6.0 to 8.0.
Watering Needs
Aspire Speedwell has medium water requirements, preferring evenly moist soil. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent oversaturation. Established plants show some drought tolerance, but consistent moisture, especially during dry spells and in their first year, promotes best growth. After planting, water thoroughly.
Temperature and Hardiness
This Veronica cultivar is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8. It performs best in areas with moderate humidity. In regions with harsh winters, cut plants back to about 2 inches and apply mulch for protection.
Fertilizing
Aspire Speedwell is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization in fertile soil. If soil is poor, apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) once in early spring. A slow-release fertilizer applied once a year also supports healthy growth.
Pruning
Regular deadheading (removing spent flower spikes) encourages more blooms and extends the flowering period. To maintain tidiness, shear the plant back by half after initial flowering. If not pruned in summer, cut it back to basal growth in late autumn.
Pest and Disease Management
Aspire Speedwell is low maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases. It is more resistant to mildew than other Veronica varieties, though it can be susceptible in overly shady conditions. Powdery mildew and leaf spot are prevented by good air circulation. Aphids or whiteflies are managed with a strong water spray, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Landscape Uses and Design Ideas
Veronica ‘Aspire’ is suitable for various garden designs due to its compact size and upright growth habit. Its vibrant rose-pink flower spikes add a distinct vertical element, making it an excellent choice for garden borders and edgings. It thrives in containers, making it suitable for patio displays, balconies, or mixed plantings, adding color to confined spaces.
It is also well-suited for mass plantings, creating visual impact with uniform bloom and foliage. Its compact nature makes it a good fit for rock gardens, where it can provide consistent color without overpowering other elements. Aspire Speedwell attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a good addition to pollinator gardens. Its long-lasting flower spikes are excellent as cut flowers, bringing beauty indoors.