Perennial of the Month-- June 2002 
Common name: Speedwell
Family: Scrophulariaceae, Figwort
Height x width: 12-16" x 12-18"
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: opposite, crinkled, oblong to lanceolate, 2-4" long, crenate to serrulate margin
Flowers: violet blue, mid to late summer; many clustered spike-like racemes
Hardiness: zones 3-8
Soil: well-drained
Light: sun, tolerates part shade especially in the South
Pests and Problems: downy and powdery mildews, rusts, aphids, mites (no problems serious)
Landscape habit, uses: borders, cut flowers, containers, rock gardens
Other interest: very similar to ‘Sunny Border Blue’ of Sunny Border Nurseries, Connecticut, of which this is one parent; this cultivar is smaller in all respects and shorter but with the same color flowers and crinkled leaves; from Britain and Heather Philpott; genus is native to Europe and Asia; named in honor of St. Veronica as markings on some species flowers resemble markings on the handkerchief of St. Veronica; at least one species officinalis was used in Europe until the 19th century as a tea substitute
Other culture: remove (deadhead) old flowers for repeat bloom
Propagation: spring or fall division, softwood cuttings in summer, protected from commerical propagation
Sources: Plant Haven retailers, Sunny Border wholesale nurseries