Veronica 'Atomic Blue' (Atomic Ray Series) (Speedwell 'Atomic Blue')

Botanical name

Veronica 'Atomic Blue' (Atomic Ray Series)

Other names

Speedwell 'Atomic Blue', Garden speedwell 'Atomic Blue', Long-leaved speedwell 'Atomic Blue'

Genus

Veronica Veronica

Variety or Cultivar

'Atomic Blue' _ 'Atomic Blue' is an upright, bushy, herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped, pointed, toothed, wrinkled, dark green leaves and erect, slender, dense racemes of deep violet-blue flowers from summer into autumn.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Compact, Bushy, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Violet, Blue in Summer; Blue, Violet in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Downy mildew , Leaf spot , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to encourage further flowers. Cut back to basal leaves after flowering.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Veronica 'Atomic Blue' (Atomic Ray Series) (Speedwell 'Atomic Blue') will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Garden edging, Ground Cover, Rock, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in loamy, moderately fertile soil, that is moist but well-drained. Prefers full sun or part shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds.

Soil type

Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Veronica 'Atomic Blue' (Atomic Ray Series) (Speedwell 'Atomic Blue')

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/