Veronica spicata aka Spiked Speedwell

Veronica spicata, also known as spiked speedwell or spike speedwell, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. Native to northern Europe and Asia, it is an upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial that typically grows 1-3 feet tall and bears 1 foot long spikes with blue, pink, purple, and white flowers. The flowers bloom from mid-June to August and are attractive to bees and butterflies. The foliage consists of toothed, narrow, linear to lanceolate, medium green leaves. Veronica spicata is the county flower of Montgomeryshire in the United Kingdom and was protected under the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act in 1975. Cultivated varieties include blue ('Royal Candles'), red ('Red Fox'), and white ('Noah Williams'). The genus name honors Saint Veronica, who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some genus plants having markings that resemble the markings on the sacred handkerchief. As a houseplant, spike speedwell is relatively rare and easy to grow, needing regular watering and well-draining soil. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Fertilizers are not necessary if the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size.