The Unexpected Flower Combo That Adds Instant Balance To Raised Beds

It can feel pretty overwhelming to pick flowers for your raised bed garden. There are so many beautiful options available, and it is difficult to know which ones will really thrive. Thankfully, there are some pairings that look amazing together thanks to their distinct heights, shapes, and textures. If you are searching for the perfect pairing for your raised bed, consider planting coreopsis and spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata). These flowers bring different colors and shapes to your raised bed, with the bright, sunny coreopsis contrasting well with the tall and spiked flowers of the Veronica.

Coreopsis is native in some parts of the U.S. and is actually the state flower of Florida. When you see its colorful, statement blooms, you can understand why it is connected to the Sunshine State! Perfectly happy in containers and small spaces, coreopsis plants are low-maintenance and easy to grow. Although there are many varieties, most coreopsis have bright yellow petals. 

Spiked speedwell is another easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial that produces small, star-shaped flowers, usually in blue and purple hues, although certain cultivars give pink or white blooms. Growing up to 3 feet tall, spiked speedwell adds height to your raised bed when paired with the less structured coreopsis. Both plants flower in June, July, and August, which means you get a wonderful show of colors during the summer months. 

Although coreopsis can be planted in either full sun or partial shade, spiked speedwell needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive. So, plant these flowers in a raised bed where the sun is shining. You also need to ensure that the soil in your raised bed is well-drained, which can be done by adding rubble or subsoil to the bottom. If the plants you are putting into the bed are not fully grown, either give them enough space for their maximum spread or plant them a little closer if you want them to entwine. The maximum spread for spiked speedwell is 2 ½ feet. Different varieties of coreopsis have varying spreads, so check which one you have before planting it.  

When it comes to ongoing care for this pairing, there isn't much you have to do! Once the flowers are spent, deadheading is a must for these two species, so keep an eye on them during the summer months. Deadheading will encourage more flowers, allowing them to carry on providing your garden with color and life.