Veronica 'Aspire'

Veronica ‘Aspire’ is a compact speedwell with saturated deep-rose flower spikes above green foliage. Its mounding, upright habit and restrained size suit sunny borders, mixed perennial beds, and containers where a clear vertical accent is useful without taking much space. ## Size and placement Foliage reaches about 6 inches tall, while flowering spikes rise to roughly 11 inches; the plant spreads about 12 inches wide. Place it near the front or middle of a sunny bed, or group several plants for a repeated line of pink flowers. The cultivar is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8 and is listed as deciduous, so allow neighboring plants to fill the space when it is dormant. ## Growing conditions Give it full sun and moist, organic soil that drains well. Average garden watering is appropriate: water during dry spells, especially while new plants establish, and avoid letting the soil remain waterlogged. The dense flower spikes provide nectar for pollinators, and the breeder lists the selection as deer resistant. ## Maintenance Remove spent flower spikes to tidy the clump and encourage a fresh appearance. Leave healthy foliage in place while it remains green, then clear damaged growth as the plant resumes growth in spring. [Terra Nova Nurseries’ cultivar profile](https://www.terranovanurseries.com/product/veronica-aspire/) gives the identity, patent and EU grant references, mature size, zones, exposure, soil, and water information.