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Plant Brief

Veronica 'High Five'
from Jan Verschoor
The Netherlands

Introduced 2005

NO LONGER SOLD AS DARWIN PLANTSPOTTERS VARIETY

Very long, thick spikes of mid-blue flowers rise from plants when they are just 8" tall. Rich-green foliage provides a good background to the flower colour. Starts blooming a little later than other Veronicas, and also continues longer due to the length of the flower spikes. 

Height: 28”/ 70cm
Spread: 14”/35cm
Hardiness: US zones 4-8
Blooms: July-August

Common name:
Speedwell

Patent status:
USA PPAF. Europe, PPAF

 
 
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All you need to know
29-09-2004 11:54 Arie's here with tips to keep those flower spikes coming.
By Arie Blom   

Veronica is a genus that is very easy to combine with many different types of plants. ‘High Five’s colourful spikes make it a versatile plant which can be used in any type of garden style.

Positioning
If you plant Veronica 'High Five' in well-drained soil with either full sun or light shade it will reward you with plenty of flower spikes. 

If the soil doesn't drain well there is a chance that it will suffer from root rot. Poorly draining soil can be improved by adding sharp sand or grit.

 

Veronica 'High Five' will tolerate a little drought.

Reblooming
After the first bloom you can cut the plants right back, almost to the ground, to get a second flush of flowers later in the season.

Divide old plants

'High Five' has the spicata species in its ancestry, which means it is a slow spreading plant which can remain in one place for several years before it needs dividing.

 

Once the clumps have grown large, they may not produce as many flower stems. At this time dividing them may help to improve growth and bloom.

 

Plants can be divided either in spring or autumn. Remove the plant from the soil and cut it into 3 or 4 parts.  Remove excessive leaves before replanting, as these may drain all the moisture at this delicate time and dehydrate the plants.

 

Diseases

Although Veronica 'High Five'  has good tolerance to diseases, some mildew or leaf spots may occur late in the autumn. These do not cause permanent damage, and the plant will regrow the following spring showing none of these symptoms.

 
The Breeder
Jan Verschoor
By Miriam Young
Jan Verschoor is a dedicated plantsman and production nursery owner, who carries out extensive breeding work on a number of genera.
The Story Behind the Plant
The never ending flower spikes
By Miriam Young
Veronica 'High Five' is one of a number of varieties that come from a program started by Jan Verschoor back in 1997.
Growing Advice
All you need to know
By Arie Blom
Arie's here with tips to keep those flower spikes coming.
Forum
General discussion on Veronica 'High Five'
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