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Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' (Royal Candles Speedwell)
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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Perennials

Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles'

Royal Candles Speedwell

Plantaginaceae
Garden selection; species {Veronica spicata} is native to Europe and northern Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height14-18 inches (35-45 cm)
Width12-16 inches (30-40 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' is a compact spiked speedwell growing 14–18 inches (35–45 cm) tall and 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) wide. Deep violet-blue flowers in dense terminal spikes appear from June through July, with secondary spikes extending bloom if the spent main spikes are cut back. The 'Royal Candles' name describes both the regal color and the candle-like spike form. The narrow, upright spikes provide strong vertical lines in the garden — similar in function to Salvia nemorosa but with a different flower structure. The species name 'spicata' means 'spiked'. Dark green lance-shaped glossy leaves form a semi-evergreen basal mound. The compact stature and strong vertical form suit front-to-mid border positions. Well-drained soil in full sun. The spiked veronicas are a workhorse genus for summer borders — reliable, long-lived, and deer-resistant. Deer avoid the foliage.

Native Range

The species Veronica spicata is native to Europe and northern Asia. 'Royal Candles' is a garden selection for compact habit and deep color.

Suggested Uses

Used in borders, cottage gardens, and containers of 3 gallons (11 liters) or more. The vertical spikes add structural rhythm. Pairs with roses, geraniums, and other summer perennials.

How to Identify

Identified by deep violet-blue dense terminal flower spikes on a compact (14–18 inches / 35–45 cm) clump of dark green glossy lance-shaped leaves. The narrow candle-like spikes and the deep blue-violet color are the defining traits. Spiked veronicas have a similar garden role to meadow sages but with a different flower structure.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'2" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'4"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

violet
blue

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

semi evergreen

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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Summer
Flowering in June and July, approximately 5 weeks with deadheading for secondary spikes. Deep violet-blue candle-like spikes.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep violet-blue, in dense terminal spikes

Foliage Description

Dark green, lance-shaped, glossy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun. Well-drained soil. Cut back spent spikes for rebloom. Divide every 3–4 years.

Pruning

Cut back spent flower spikes to promote secondary spikes. Clean up basal foliage in early spring.

Pruning Schedule

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summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic