Veronica spicata 'ULSTER BLUE DWARF' spiked speedwell

Ulster Blue Dwarf belongs among the most compact varieties of spiked speedwell, as if someone had taken an ordinary spicata and reduced it to a garden bonsai without losing any of its strength or colour. It forms low, dense, almost cushion‑like clumps, from which short but surprisingly profuse flower spikes rise in early June, coloured in a soft, pastel blue with deep violet tones. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, finely serrated at margins, bright green and firm in texture, holding their shape even after flowering so the plant never looks tired, not even in the heat of summer. The origin of this cultivar is not documented, but its name suggests it may have arisen or been discovered in the Ulster region of Northern Ireland, where perennial plants were commonly named after local areas and colours in the mid‑20th century. This is supported by several other garden plants that proudly carry the name Ulster as well.

Thanks to its size, Ulster Blue Dwarf is ideal wherever ordinary speedwells would feel too robust. It works beautifully at the front of perennial borders, on dry stone walls, tucked into pockets between rocks, or as gentle blue accents in gravel plantings. In small urban gardens it can even stand in for lavender where something lower and less woody is needed. It pairs well with thymes, helianthemums, pasque flowers or low blanket flowers, all of which give it space while highlighting its soft blue spikes. In contemporary plantings it performs reliably as a repeating motif along paths or terraces, creating rhythm without overwhelming the surrounding plants. It always looks neat, a small but confident detail that quietly holds the composition together.

Spiked speedwell and its hybrids are undemanding, long‑lived perennials that perform best in full sun and in well‑drained, rather dry soils. They do not tolerate waterlogging: during summer, excess moisture may lead to powdery mildew, while winter wet can cause root rot. On the other hand, they cope well with drought and summer heat. Except for cultivars explicitly noted as remontant without cutting, we recommend cutting the stems back to ground level after flowering, which encourages re-growth and often a second, lighter flush of bloom. The plant is fully hardy to abt. −34 °C (USDA zone 4) and requires no special care or winter protection. It can also be grown year‑round in outdoor containers, provided excellent drainage is ensured as well as occasional light watering.

Last update 09-06-2014; 28-12-2025