156 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



VERONICA. 



Speedwell. 



An extensive family, most of the species being ornamental 

 plants, the taller growing sorts suitable for the borders, and 

 those of a more dwarfish habit for the rockery. The flowers 

 are produced in spire-like spikes, or racemes, and are generally 

 blue ; but some few species are white, and others pink. 



V. Virginicum is a tall, strong-growing species, four or five 

 feet high, with white flowers in clustered spikes ; in July and 

 August ; suitable for the shrubbery. 



V. Sibirica has blue flowers, in spikes, in July and August ; 

 two feet high. 



V. speciosa is a dwarf species, with brilliant blue flowers, in 

 spikes ; June and July. 



V. azurea is two or three feet high, with fine sky-blue 

 flowers. 



V. spicata is about one foot high, with fine blue flowers. 



There are as many as fifty species, all easily cultivated in 

 almost any soil ; propagated by dividing the roots. 



VINCA. 



Periwinkle. 



Some of the genus are hardy evergreen trailing plants, val- 

 uable for their early and long-continued flowering, flourishing 

 under the shade and drip of trees. The most common hardy 

 species are Vinca major and V. minor, with a number of varie- 

 ties ; flowers generally blue. It is best to give a little protec- 

 tion in winter. 



