Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is a compact upright perennial known for its vibrant deep violet blue flower spikes that appear in early to mid summer. The blooms rise above neat lance shaped foliage creating a dense vertical accent that brings structure and color to borders and pollinator gardens. Its long blooming period and tidy habit make it a reliable performer in both small and large landscapes.
Height & Spread: 15 - 18 in x 12 - 15 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil, tolerates a range of garden soils
Watering Needs: Average; water during extended droughts for best performance
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant due to mildly aromatic foliage
Native Status
Veronica spicata is native to Europe and western Asia. While not native to North America, 'Royal Candles' is widely cultivated and well adapted to temperate climates across many U.S. regions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Flowers are highly attractive to honeybees and native bees such as sweat bees and bumblebees throughout summer.
Butterflies
- Draws in butterfly species like Painted Ladies and Great Spangled Fritillaries seeking nectar from its tall dense spikes.
Hoverflies
- Nectar rich blossoms attract hoverflies which also contribute to pest control through their aphid eating larvae.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 15 in apart to allow airflow and full flowering potential while preventing overcrowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for sunny borders, rock gardens, and mixed perennial beds. Its vertical habit contrasts nicely with low growing groundcovers or mounding perennials creating dynamic planting combinations.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Airy aromatic foliage and lavender blooms lighten the composition while attracting bees.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow blooms form a vibrant color contrast against the deep violet hues of 'Royal Candles'.
- Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' - Red tinted blooms and ferny foliage provide rich texture and heat tolerance in full sun settings.
- Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta - Small minty flowers and fragrant foliage add a soft layer and support pollinator diversity.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Vertical purple blue spires echo Veronica’s form and extend the blooming window for pollinators.