Veronica gentianoides ‘Robusta'

Gentian Speedwell Plantaginaceae

A particularly good robust form of Gentian Speedwell, making a handsome evergreen-to-semi-evergreen mat of glossy, lance-shaped leaves, from which rise upright spikes of pale blue to almost white flowers, finely veined in deeper blue. It has considerably more substance than many forms of V. gentianoides, hence the entirely appropriate name Robusta. 

The species itself comes from Crimea, Türkiye, the Caucasus and north-western Iran, where it grows in open grassland, woodland and alpine habitats. 

There is a useful historical connection with Karl Foerster: a scholarly catalogue of cultivars raised or introduced to German gardeners by Foerster lists Veronica gentianoides ‘Robusta’ (1964). This gives us a considerably firmer introduction date than most sources provide, and is worth putting in the catalogue. 

Grow it in full sun or light shade, in moderately fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It is particularly good on chalk or loam, and although reasonably drought tolerant once established, it flowers best when not allowed to become excessively dry. Cut back the flowering stems after flowering to keep the foliage tidy and encourage a compact plant. 

A very useful plant for the front or middle of the border: good foliage, elegant flower spikes and none of the usual speedwell tendency to look as though it has forgotten where the garden ends.

H7 – below –20°C
Height: 40–60 cm
Spread: 30–50 cm
Flowers: May–June
Soil: Moist but well drained; loam, chalk or clay
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Foliage: Glossy green, forming dense basal rosettes
Flowers: Pale blue to white, dark blue-veined
Introduction: Karl Foerster, 1964