An In-Depth Guide to Growing Dark Blue Moody Blues Speedwell

If you’re looking to add a pop of rich, royal blue to your garden beds or containers, dark blue moody blues speedwell is a stellar choice This compact perennial blooms abundantly with vivid color from late spring through fall. Read on to learn all about growing and caring for this eye-catching plant

Overview of Dark Blue Moody Blues Speedwell

Dark blue moody blues is a variety of Veronica, also known as speedwell. It belongs to the plantain family and is a herbaceous perennial with a mounded, bushy habit. Native to Europe and Asia, speedwells are popular garden plants that produce striking flower spikes.

This particular cultivar stands out for its deep blue blossoms that blanket the plant from late spring through the first frost. The long bloom time and rich color make it perfect for flower beds rock gardens, and containers. As a bonus it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The species name comes from the Latin word “veronica” meaning “true image” in reference to the clarity of the flower color. Moody blues is a fitting cultivar name that describes thePlantago dramatic, royal blue flower heads.

Growing Conditions for Dark Blue Moody Blues

Dark blue moody blues thrives in the following growing conditions:

• Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-8

• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil needs: Average, well-draining soil

• pH range: 6.0 to 8.0

• Drought tolerance: Moderate

• Spacing: 12-18 inches apart

While speedwell does tolerate some shade, providing full sun will encourage the most prolific blooms. Good drainage is also key, so amend heavy clay soils with compost or peat moss if needed. Space plants adequately to allow for air circulation.

How to Plant Dark Blue Moody Blues

Dark blue moody blues can be planted in spring or fall. Follow these tips when adding it to your garden:

• Select a site with full sun exposure and fertile, moist but well-draining soil. Amend if needed.

• Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Space holes 12-18 inches apart.

• Carefully remove the plant from its nursery pot and loosen any circled roots. Place in the hole.

• Backfill the hole with surrounding soil, firming it gently around the plant. Water thoroughly.

• Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against stems.

• Water new plants consistently until established, about 1-2 inches per week.

Speedwell can also grow well in containers and hanging baskets. Select a pot at least 10-12 inches wide with drainage holes.

Growing and Caring for Dark Blue Moody Blues

Once established, dark blue moody blues requires minimal care:

• Watering: Water regularly to maintain evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. Reduce frequency once established.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and once in early summer. Avoid high nitrogen formulas.

• Pruning: Cut back spent flower spikes after the first bloom cycle. Remove any damaged growth as needed to shape plants.

• Deadheading: Prune off faded flowers regularly to promote more blooms.

• Propagation: Take stem cuttings in summer or divide mature clumps in early spring or fall.

• Winter care: Cut plants back in late fall once they die back after a hard frost. Mulch to insulate roots.

• Pest/problems: Generally pest and disease resistant. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.

With its tolerance for heat, humidity, and some drought, speedwell is lower maintenance than many perennials. Proper pruning and deadheading will keep it flowering nonstop.

Tips for Getting the Most Blooms

Follow these tips to maximize the floral display from your dark blue moody blues:

• Select a site with full sun exposure – at least 6 hours per day. Morning sun is preferable.

• Space plants adequately – 12-18 inches apart – to allow for air circulation.

• Avoid excessive fertilization which can promote leafy growth over flowers.

• Deadhead spent blooms frequently by pruning back to a leaf node or lateral bud.

• Cut back flower stems by half after the initial spring flush to rejuvenate summer blooming.

• Remove any damaged foliage or leggy growth to keep plants full and compact.

• Water thoroughly during drought and heat waves to keep plants actively growing and flowering.

• Propagate every 2-3 years to renew plants and prevent bare, woody growth in the center.

• Cut plants back to the ground in late fall to prepare for winter dormancy and set the stage for spring growth.

Companion Plants for Dark Blue Moody Blues

The royal blue blossoms of dark blue moody blues pair beautifully with many other garden plants. Here are some top picks for companion planting:

• White flowers: Baby’s breath, Shasta daisy, yarrow – provide contrast.

• Yellow flowers: Black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, rudbeckia – complementary colors.

• Pastels: Lavender, pink roses, salvia – soften and accent the blue.

• Grasses: Blue oat grass, blue fescue, purple fountain grass – harmonious textures.

• Foliage: Variegated hosta, golden Japanese forest grass – bring out the blue tones.

• Herbs: Chives, catmint, lemon thyme – combines nicely with edibles.

Aim for a balanced blend of heights, colors and textures as you design the area around your dark blue moody blues. This will create a cohesive and visually appealing planting.

How to Use Dark Blue Moody Blues in the Landscape

There are many ways to effectively utilize dark blue moody blues’ vivid floral display:

• As an anchor plant in a border or bed – repeat at intervals for rhythm.

• Clustered in groups of 3, 5 or 7 plants for impact.

• Spilling over the edges of raised beds, stone walls, or container gardens.

• Surrounding taller focal points like a bench, large rock, or garden art.

• Along a pathway or defining garden edges and curves.

• Tucked into rock gardens, mixed beds, cottage gardens, or pollinator plots.

• Featured in containers like window boxes, planters, and hanging baskets.

• Planted in drifts flowing through an island bed.

With its long season of electric blue blooms, this speedwell is extremely versatile. Use it creatively to add pops of color and texture.

Where to Buy Dark Blue Moody Blues Plants

As a popular perennial, dark blue moody blues plants are carried by many online and local nurseries. Here are a few reputable sources:

• Nature Hills Nursery – Offers size #1 container plants shipped at proper planting time.

• Joy Creek Nursery – Sells bareroot plants in spring and fall. Quantity discounts available.

• White Flower Farm – A selection of perennial plants, including container grown speedwell.

• High Country Gardens – Specializes in plants suited for drought tolerance.

• Garden Goods Direct – Large retailer selling a variety of live plants, including Veronica.

• Local Garden Centers – Many independent nurseries will carry dark blue moody blues in stock or can order it.

Always inspect plants before purchasing for healthy foliage and roots. For mail order, choose expedited shipping for fresh, viable plants.

With the right care, dark blue moody blues will produce striking, true blue blooms year after year to dress up your landscape. Its versatility and longevity make this speedwell a standout choice among blue perennials.