Ignite sunny garden borders with the vibrant, electric hues of this spectacular perennial. Spike Speedwell 'Royal Candles' produces a continuous profusion of upright, deep royal blue flower spikes that torch the landscape all summer long. Its compact habit and clean vertical structure deliver an outstanding contrast of form, while the healthy foliage boasts superb disease resistance. Choose this neat, dependable performer to create an intense visual anchor and attract a busy crowd of beneficial pollinators.
Characteristics
Foliage : Lance-shaped, glossy dark green leaves form a tight, tidy basal mound that remains attractive all season.
Flowering / Fruit / Stems : Long, slender, tightly packed flower spikes of intense violet-blue, opening progressively from early to late summer.
Light : Requires full sun to maximize flower production and maintain strict, non-flopping stem rigidity.
Habit : Erect, compact, and bushy, keeping an impeccably straight and uniform silhouette.
Growth : Displays a moderate growth rate, reaching a uniform height and spread of 40 cm.
Soil : Thrives in loose, rich, and sharply drained soil. Tolerates various soil types provided they do not hold stagnant water in winter.
Temperature : Performs reliably with excellent winter hardiness down to zone 3.
Resistances : Highly resistant to powdery mildew, stands up well to transient summer drought once established, and strongly repels white-tailed deer.
Use
Types of use : Sharpens low borders and walkways, enriches mixed perennial beds, highlights sunny rock gardens, or delivers a powerful colour punch in a patio container.
Decorative benefits : Introduces a clean vertical punctuation and a true blue color that pairs beautifully with mounded, silver-leafed, or yellow-flowering companions. The flower spikes last exceptionally well in fresh vase arrangements.
Maintenance
Watering : Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system. Once established, maintain a moderate schedule and let the soil surface dry out between waterings.
Fertilization : Apply a layer of organic compost in early spring or incorporate a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer at the start of the growing season.
Pruning : Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous secondary flushes and prolong the blooming display. Cut the foliage entirely down to the ground in late autumn or early spring.
Plantation : Space plants 30 to 40 cm apart to ensure adequate air circulation around the compact crowns.
Winter Protection : Avoid planting in low-lying depressions where freezing water accumulates during winter. Leave the plant uncovered, as its superior hardiness requires no artificial winter protection.
Osez créer des associations inédites qui sauront refléter votre personnalité, même si pour cela vous deviez déplacer certaines vivaces pour mieux les mettre en valeur.
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