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Will I like Veronica Speedwell more than Salvia?

stir_fryi SE Mich

5 years ago

I had Salvia Lyrical Blues planted near a walkway by the front door. It doubled in size, always gave a fabulous first bloom and sporadic blooms there-after. We pulled them out because they grew so big that they flopped onto the walkway, smelled disgusting and attracted wayyyy too many bumblebees.

I miss that punch of purple color. Is Veronica (royal candles) better behaved? How will it compare as a border plant?

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Comments (4)

sah67 (zone 5b - NY)
5 years ago
What does “too many bumblebees” mean?
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
In my garden V. Royal Candles doesn’t flop. As long as the flowers aren’t flopping into the path the bumblebees shouldn’t be an issue since they are about as nonaggression a critter as exists. (I have literally had one fly into me more than once and have not ever gotten stung by one despite their liking many flowers near my front walk.) Despite that I haven’t noticed them visiting V. Royal Candles.

I can totally identify with finding the pong of many of the Savias, especially if one brushes against the foliage, to be decidedly unpleasant.
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linaria_gw
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I grow V longifolia, was given some clumps from a garden neighbour, about 2-3 feet tall.

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I have considered this, as well, especially since some veronica varieties are half/sun half shade and I don't think my salvia get quite enough sun.

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