Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue'

Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Common Name: Speedwell

Vivid violet-blue spikes dart up above the dark green, crinkly foliage of 'Sunny Border Blue' from midsummer into fall.

This variety was introduced in 1946 by Robert Bennerup, founder of Sunny Border Nurseries, and is still one of the most popular today. The Perennial Plant Association thought so highly of this plant in 1993 that they selected it for the Plant of the Year Award.

Veronica is highly valued for its ease of growth and long bloom time. It should have a place in every garden because it goes with everything. Try combining it with yellow such as Coreopsis 'Moonbeam' (yellow flowers), or Vinca 'Illumination' PP12132 (yellow foliage).

Breeder: Robert Bennerup

Introducer: Sunny Border Nurseries

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:

Height:
18-24 Inches

Spread:
15-20 Inches

Flower Color:
Purple-blue shades

Foliage Color:
Green shades

Hardiness Zone:
4,5,6,7,8
Find Your Zone

Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)

Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs

Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies

Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant

How fast should it grow?:
Medium

When should it bloom?:
  Midsummer
  Late summer
  Early fall

How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil

Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
  Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Mass Planting
Salt Tolerant
Easy to grow

Awards:

Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year 1993

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

This perennial is tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soil types. Amending soils, especially very heavy and light types, with generous amounts of organic matter will result in improved performance. Although tolerant of partial shade, it will flower better in full sun. Deadheading will promote additional blooms.

Companions:

	Common/Botanical Name	Zones
	*Coreopsis verticillata* 'Moonbeam'** Common Name: Coreopsis-Threadleaf	4,5,6,7,8,9
	*Echinacea purpurea* 'Magnus'** Common Name: Coneflower-Purple	3,4,5,6,7,8
	*Rudbeckia fulgida* 'Goldsturm'** Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan	4,5,6,7,8,9,10
	Achillea 'Moonshine' Common Name: Yarrow	3,4,5,6,7,8
	*Aster novae-angliae* 'Alma Potschke'** Common Name: Aster-New England	3,4,5,6,7,8
	Hemerocallis 'Baja' Common Name: Daylily	3,4,5,6,7,8,9
	*Leucanthemum superbum* 'Becky'** Common Name: Shasta Daisy	5,6,7,8,9

While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.

What's New	Design & Grow Step 1: Perennials 101 Step 2: Getting Started Step 3: Find Your Style » Asian Style Gardens Container/Patio Gardens Cottage Gardens Eclectic Gardens Formal Gardens Modern Gardens Prairie Style Gardens Rain Gardens Rock Gardens Water Gardens Woodland/Shade Gardens Step 4: Garden Design Elements » 1. Color 2. Texture 3. Contrast 4. Repetition 5. Balance 6. Form 7. Size 8. Structure 9. Combining Plants 10. Succession Planting 11. Creating a Focal Point 12. Designing from a Viewpoint 13. Planning for Seasonal Interest 14. Incorporating Garden Art Step 5: Building Your Garden Step 6: Caring for Your Garden	Perennial Encyclopedia	Proven Winners^®	Find a Professional