Veronica 'Royal Rembrandt'

Veronica 'Royal Rembrandt': Deep Violet Spikes, Painted Bold

'Royal Rembrandt' paints the top half of itself violet-purple and leaves the rest dark green, like an Old Master who knew when to stop. Paintbrush spikes for days. FRAME-WORTHY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Veronica hybrid
• Common Name: Spike Speedwell
• Height: 46–51 cm (18–20 in)
• Spread: 46–51 cm (18–20 in)
• Flowers: Violet-purple, paintbrush-like spikes over the top half of the plant
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to late summer (July to August), with rebloom if sheared
• Foliage: Dark green
• Features: Long blooming, salt tolerant, good cut flower
• Plant Patent: PP29,377

Where to Plant: Use it at the front to middle of a sunny border, in a pollinator bed or in a container. A group of three makes a strong block of colour, and the spikes are good for cutting. It's salt tolerant, so it can handle a spot near a salted walk or driveway.

Companion Plants: Hemerocallis EveryDaylily™ Cream® sits in front at 35 cm with cream flowers from June to September, a soft foil for the deep violet spikes. Chelone 'Black Ace' rises to 120 to 150 cm with white flowers from August to October, picking up after this speedwell. Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina' adds striped pink flowers at 60 to 120 cm from June to September. Every plant here grows in full sun or partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average to fertile, well-drained soil. Add compost to very heavy or very light soil. Water regularly in the first season and during long dry spells. When the first flush fades, shear off the spent spikes. That's what brings the second round of flowers. Cut it back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every few years to keep it vigorous.

History: 'Royal Rembrandt' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2012 cross between an unreleased seedling and the violet-blue Veronica 'Enchanted Indigo'. It's part of the Walters Artist Series with 'Perfectly Picasso', 'Very Van Gogh' and 'Da Vinci Delight'.

Final Thoughts: Shear it for another round. Hummingbirds are welcome, deer and road salt are not a problem. COMMISSION ONE TODAY.