Veronica 'Giles Van Hees'

Veronica spicata 'Giles Van Hees': Compact Spires, Consistent Colour

Charming and compact, Veronica 'Giles Van Hees' delivers tidy mounds of bright green foliage topped with vivid pink flower spikes from early to midsummer. Each bloom rises just above the low foliage, creating a mass of upright colour that’s perfect for the front of the border or edging pathways. Loved by pollinators and appreciated for its long bloom period, this dwarf speedwell adds vertical interest without taking up space—ideal for smaller gardens, rockeries, and sunny containers.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–25 cm
• Spread: 30–40 cm
• Flower Colour: Bright pink
• Flowering Period: Late spring to midsummer
• Foliage: Deep green, compact, finely textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Giles Van Hees' is an excellent choice for edging, small-space plantings, and pollinator-friendly gardens where long bloom and compact form are desired. It performs reliably in sunny, dry conditions and reblooms well with a light shearing. Its small stature makes it easy to tuck into tight spaces while still contributing bold colour and structure.

Companion Plants: Pair Veronica 'Giles Van Hees' with the clean white, flattened blooms of Achillea 'New Vintage White', the rich violet flower spikes of Salvia 'Blue Queen', and the soft, candy-pink fringed blooms of Dianthus 'Tickled Pink' for a bright, pollinator-friendly combination that brings form, contrast, and cheerful colour to the front of sunny borders.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods. Deadhead to encourage rebloom. Shear lightly after flowering to maintain a tidy shape. Divide every few years to refresh growth and prevent overcrowding.

History: A dwarf selection of Veronica spicata, 'Giles Van Hees' was bred for its petite size, vivid colouring, and excellent garden performance—making it a go-to variety for smaller borders and pollinator-focused plantings.

Final Thoughts: Bold in bloom but compact in form, Veronica 'Giles Van Hees' is a small-space powerhouse that brings lasting colour, pollinator value, and graceful spires to the sunny edge of the garden.