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Compact hybrid perennial with long white spikes
Plantaginaceae
Compact white speedwells for borders and pollinator gardens
Magic Show® White Wands spike speedwell
Veronica
Magic Show® White Wands is a compact white speedwell with long, heavily branched spikes that flower for several weeks. Small self-cleaning blooms rise above a dense clump of dark green foliage. Reaching 36 to 41 centimetres tall and 41 to 51 centimetres wide, this Zone 4 to 8 perennial suits borders, containers, bouquets and pollinator gardens. It attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, tolerates salt and generally resists deer browsing. Cutting stems after the first display encourages rebloom and maintains a polished appearance into late summer. Full sun and consistently moist, well-drained soil produce the strongest overall garden performance and longevity.
- Quantity
- 2-gallon pot
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Deciduous herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 4 to 8
Discover the plant
Common nameMagic Show® White Wands spike speedwell
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusVeronica
CultivarWhite Wands
TypeCompact hybrid perennial with long white spikes
Botanical nameVeronica
Magic Show® White Wands Spike Speedwell (Veronica ‘White Wands’) is a compact hybrid perennial with long, pure white spikes. Upright, heavily branched stems carry hundreds of small self-cleaning flowers above a dense clump of dark green leaves. Proven Winners lists a mature height of 36 to 41 centimetres and a spread of 41 to 51 centimetres, while the patent describes taller plants under trial conditions. Bloom begins in early summer and can repeat after trimming. This bright silhouette provides crisp contrast at the front of a border, in a white garden or among rounded flowers that emphasize the strong vertical lines.
For best results, grow this white speedwell in full sun or partial shade and average, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then maintain consistent moisture without leaving standing water around the crown. Space plants 41 to 51 centimetres apart so the clumps can broaden. Cut faded stems to encourage rebloom and retain a tidy appearance. A thin spring layer of compost is generally sufficient. Full sun produces the heaviest flowering, although light shade is suitable. Avoid saturated winter soil, which can cause root rot. Mature plants tolerate some drought, but reliable moisture and sharp drainage support a longer and more uniform display.
White Wands speedwell suits borders, pollinator gardens, white-themed plantings, grouped displays, bouquets and containers. Flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, while deer generally avoid the foliage. Proven Winners lists the cultivar for Zones 4 to 8 and highlights its long bloom, salt tolerance and disease resistance. Pair the white spikes with pink coneflowers, golden black-eyed Susans, catmint, hardy geraniums or purple foliage. Repeating three to five plants creates a bright ribbon and helps the flowers remain visible at dusk, particularly beside a patio or path. Strong stems also provide useful vertical accents in fresh summer arrangements.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space plants 41 to 51 cm apart
Best planting time
Spring or early fall
Propagation
Basal or shoot-tip cuttings; division possible in spring
Growing method
Plant White Wands spike speedwell in spring or early fall in a sunny or lightly shaded position. Choose fertile, evenly moist and well-drained soil. Loosen the ground to about 30 centimetres and work in compost when organic matter is low. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and roughly twice as wide. Keep the crown level with the surrounding soil, refill gently and water thoroughly. Space plants 50 to 60 centimetres apart so each clump can reach its natural width. Maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season without leaving standing water. Apply a thin mulch while keeping the crown clear. When the main flowering period ends, cut faded spikes just above healthy foliage to encourage possible rebloom. The following spring, remove dry stems and add a light compost layer. Divide an overly dense clump or take basal shoots for propagation. In a container, use free-draining potting mix and monitor moisture more frequently than in the ground. Check moisture below the mulch instead of watering automatically. After several years, divide the clump in spring if its centre loses vigour, then replant healthy sections at the same depth. Keep newly divided plants evenly moist until fresh growth confirms that roots are established.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acidic, neutral or alkaline
Care level
Low
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water deeply after planting and keep the root ball evenly moist during establishment. Once rooted, irrigate during dry periods when leaves begin to lose firmness. Direct water toward the soil rather than the spikes. Allow excess moisture to drain and avoid frequent applications that keep the crown saturated. Morning irrigation allows wet foliage to dry before night and reduces conditions that favour leaf diseases.
Soil type
This perennial prefers fertile, evenly moist and well-drained soil that retains moderate moisture without remaining saturated. Compost-enriched loam is especially suitable. In clay, improve structure and avoid depressions where water collects. In sandy soil, add organic matter to slow drying. Work organic matter through the whole planting area instead of concentrating it only in the hole. Prompt winter drainage remains essential for crown longevity.
Fertilization
In spring, spread a thin compost layer around the clump without covering the crown. In average soil, this is generally sufficient. If growth remains weak, use a balanced slow-release fertilizer at the lowest labelled rate. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can produce softer stems and fewer flowers. In containers, refresh part of the potting mix in spring before adding any additional fertilizer.
Moisture
Moderate; evenly moist but well-drained soil
Seasonal care
In spring, remove dead stems and clear the crown before growth resumes. Water during prolonged drought and monitor leaf firmness. After approximately five weeks of bloom, cut back faded spikes to encourage a few new flowers. In fall, allow the clump to yellow naturally or clean it after frost when a tidy border is preferred. In early spring, remove dry stems before new shoots lengthen. Clear dead leaves from the crown and confirm that snowmelt drains promptly. Spread a thin compost layer around the clump without covering it. During active growth, water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry, especially in the first year. Watch for aphids and leaf-spot symptoms, then improve air circulation when foliage stays wet for long periods. From June through August, cut spikes after most flowers fade to maintain shape and encourage rebloom. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which can soften the stems. In fall, let foliage yellow naturally before cleanup or leave it until spring. Check drainage before winter and pull thick mulch away from the crown. Divide older clumps in spring when the centre becomes sparse. Replant vigorous sections promptly and maintain even moisture until they resume growth. Container plants require more frequent checks because their roots dry and freeze faster than those planted in garden soil. Adjust the schedule to local weather, soil moisture and the plant’s visible condition.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container at least 40 cm wide with drainage
White Wands spike speedwell grows well in a broad, stable container in full sun or partial shade. Use rich but free-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes. Water when the surface begins to dry without leaving water in the saucer. Remove faded spikes to maintain interest. In cold Canadian regions, protect the pot from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Choose a container at least 30 centimetres wide with several drainage holes. Fill it with perennial potting mix amended with a small amount of compost. Position the root ball so the crown remains level with the surface, then water until excess moisture drains. Place the container in full sun and rotate it periodically when light comes mainly from one direction. Check moisture with a finger and water when the upper few centimetres begin to dry. Empty the saucer and avoid sealed cachepots. Remove faded spikes to maintain a polished display and encourage possible rebloom. In spring, replace the upper layer of mix and add a little compost. In cold regions, move the container beside a sheltered wall or insulate it to reduce rapid freeze-and-thaw cycles. Divide or repot the clump when roots completely occupy the available volume, and resume regular watering as soon as active growth returns.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
16 inches (40.5 cm)
Width / spread
20 inches (51 cm)
Flower color
Pure white
Foliage color
Glossy dark green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact, upright, dense and heavily branched
Fragrance
No detectable fragrance
Bloom period
Long upright, branched stems carry approximately 1,250 small white flowers on a complete raceme. Each bloom remains effective for about one week and falls naturally. In patent trials, flowering began in early July and continued for approximately five weeks with consistent repeat after deadheading. Walters Gardens describes an early- to midsummer season with excellent rebloom. Full sun produces the heaviest display, while consistent moisture prevents spikes from ending prematurely during hot periods. Regional climate and spring conditions can shift the exact starting date, so Canadian gardens may bloom somewhat later than trial plants.
Fruiting
Small globose capsules containing seeds
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair it with compact bee balm, shorter phlox, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, catmint and fine grasses. Pink, white or yellow flowers contrast with the deep blue-purple spikes, while silver foliage emphasizes their colour. Choose companions that also prefer sun and evenly moist, well-drained soil. Spring bulbs fill the space before the foliage develops completely, while sedums and asters continue the display after August. Repeat one or two companions elsewhere in the border for a coherent result. Avoid plants requiring constantly saturated soil and vigorous spreaders that quickly smother the small clumps.
Plants to avoid
Avoid highly aggressive plants that would invade the crown and neighbours requiring constantly saturated soil. Tall perennials that collapse can hide or bend the flower stems. Leave enough space for air to circulate around the clump and remove compacted leaves in spring.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Is White Wands speedwell hardy in Canada?
The plant patent, Walters Gardens and Proven Winners list White Wands for Zones 4 to 8. This range suits many populated Canadian regions when the crown grows in well-drained soil. A hardiness zone does not establish one exact minimum temperature, so no unverified degree value is added. To improve overwintering, avoid low spots where snowmelt collects, keep the crown level with the soil and pull thick mulch away. Allow foliage to decline naturally in fall, then remove dry stems in spring. In containers, insulate the roots or move the pot to a position protected from rapid freeze-and-thaw cycles. Consistent snow cover can also moderate abrupt temperature changes around garden-grown roots.
When does Veronica White Wands bloom?
In Michigan patent trials, flowering began in early July and continued for approximately five weeks. Walters Gardens and Proven Winners give a general early- to midsummer period followed by excellent rebloom when faded stems are removed. Small flowers open progressively along the long branched racemes, extending the white display. Full sun, consistent moisture and effective drainage support a stronger presentation than dense shade or saturated soil. Continue watering during dry periods without keeping the crown constantly wet. Exact timing varies with region, exposure and spring weather. Canadian gardens may begin somewhat later than trial plants, but regular deadheading helps maintain colour well after the first flush has finished.
Should faded White Wands spikes be removed?
Yes. Flowers are self-cleaning, but cutting stems after most small blooms have finished promotes consistent rebloom. Use clean pruners and cut back to a healthy leaf or near the stem base without removing living foliage. This keeps the border tidy and allows the clump to direct energy toward new spikes. If you want to observe seed capsules, leave selected stems to mature, while remembering that seedlings from a hybrid may not reproduce the parent plant. In spring, remove remaining dry stems before new shoots lengthen. Severe cutting of the entire clump during active growth is generally unnecessary. Continue watering after pruning when weather remains hot and dry.
Does White Wands attract pollinators?
Yes. Walters Gardens lists bees, butterflies and hummingbirds among the visitors to White Wands. The very large number of small white flowers on primary and secondary racemes makes the clump easy to locate. Group three or more plants, avoid insecticides during bloom and maintain enough moisture to prevent premature wilting. Add spring bulbs and late-summer asters or sedums to extend nectar and pollen availability. A shallow water source can complement the planting. When cutting stems for a bouquet, leave several spikes outdoors so winged visitors retain a resource. The reblooming habit can provide additional flowers after many early-summer perennials have finished.
Which plants pair well with White Wands speedwell?
Choose full-sun or partial-shade companions that enjoy evenly moist, well-drained soil. Pink coneflowers, golden black-eyed Susans, catmint, hardy geraniums, purple coral bells and fine grasses work well. Their rounded or airy forms contrast with the long vertical white stems. Allow approximately 41 to 51 centimetres between clumps so the foliage can broaden. Avoid aggressive neighbours that would invade the crown and plants requiring constantly saturated soil. For a white garden, add white phlox, coneflowers or gaura with silver foliage. Sedums and asters then extend the display into fall. Repeating one or two companions elsewhere in the border creates a coherent design and highlights the bright speedwell spikes.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Numerous white spikes attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds from early through midsummer and again during rebloom. Grouping several plants creates a more visible floral target. Avoid insecticides during flowering and leave part of the display outdoors when cutting stems for bouquets. Spring- and fall-flowering companions extend access to nectar and pollen.
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