Magic Show® Wizard of Ahhs Speedwell
Veronica 'Wizard of Ahhs'
Plant Height: 12 inches
Flower Height: 16 inches
Spacing: 18 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4
Group/Class: Magic Show Series
Brand: Proven Winners
Description:
Extremely easy to grow and virtually maintenance-free; thick spikes of violet-blue flowers massed above dark green glossy foliage; makes an ideal garden accent, great in rock gardens or combination containers
Ornamental Features
Magic Show® Wizard of Ahhs Speedwell has masses of beautiful spikes of blue flowers with violet overtones rising above the foliage from early to mid summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its glossy narrow leaves remain forest green in color throughout the season.
Landscape Attributes
Magic Show® Wizard of Ahhs Speedwell is a dense herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Magic Show® Wizard of Ahhs Speedwell is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Container Planting
Planting & Growing
Magic Show® Wizard of Ahhs Speedwell will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 16 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 22 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 8 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Magic Show® Wizard of Ahhs Speedwell is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.