Speedwell
Veronica chamaedrys · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant speedwell: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June
- Flower color
- Sky blue to blue-mauve, with white center
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm tall × 30 to 40 cm spread
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, tolerant
Care
Exposure
Choose a location in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. Germander speedwell tolerates semi-shaded areas well, but flowers more generously in the sun. It's adaptable to various garden settings.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season and during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first few weeks after planting. Once established, this plant is fairly drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogging, which can promote rot.
Soil
Plant it in well-drained, fertile or slightly poor soil. It adapts to neutral or slightly acidic pH. A compost amendment at planting time is usually sufficient to ensure good vigor.
Pruning and cutting
After flowering, you can cut it back lightly to encourage a compact and dense clump. A spring cleaning prune removes dead stems. This plant requires minimal intervention and self-regulates well.
Fertilizer
Undemanding, germander speedwell benefits from a spring compost application. A balanced fertilizer applied once or twice during the active season is sufficient if the soil is not very rich.
Diseases and pests
Generally very resistant. In prolonged humid conditions, watch for powdery mildew or slight root rot. Good air circulation and well-drained soil limit these issues. It's rarely affected by common garden pests.
Did you know?
Germander speedwell was traditionally considered in Europe to have medicinal properties: it was nicknamed 'herb of goodness' or 'wayside speedwell.' Its scientific name Chamaedrys means 'dwarf oak' in Greek, as its leaves resemble those of the dwarf oak. It remains an excellent pioneer plant in wildflower gardens and meadows.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Ivy-leaved toadflaxCymbalaria muralis
- Spike speedwellVeronica spicata
- Heart-leaf Globe DaisyGlobularia cordifolia
- Talus slope penstemonPenstemon digitalis
- Coral plantRusselia equisetiformis
- Bunchleaf penstemonPenstemon heterophyllus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.