Digger's Speedwell
Veronica perfoliata · Plantaginaceae
📷 Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant digger's speedwell: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to August
- Adult size
- Approximately 60 cm tall
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Moderate
- Origin
- Australia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Veronica needs full sun without compromise to flower generously. Its soil must be very well-drained (gravel, slight slope) as it tolerates drought but not waterlogging.
The common mistake
Most gardeners give it too much water and too much shade thinking they're 'protecting' it, which makes it soft and sparse in flowers.
The pro's trick
Cut it back by a third in October: this compacts the habit, forces branching and significantly boosts the following summer's flowering.
Seasonal watch
September-October: as soon as nights cool down, cut watering in half to prevent winter rot.
Care
Exposure
Perfoliate speedwell thrives in full sun, where it develops generous flowering and a compact structure. Shaded exposure would reduce flowering and weaken the plant. Choose an airy location to avoid excessive moisture issues.
Watering
Water needs are moderate to low. Let the soil dry between waterings, particularly during the winter rest period. Avoid stagnant moisture that would promote root rot. Regular but measured watering is sufficient during the growing season.
Soil and planting
Plant in well-draining, light soil, ideally enriched with moderate organic matter. Excellent drainage is crucial for this plant that dislikes excess moisture. Avoid overly compact or clayey soils.
Pruning and maintenance
Perform light pruning in spring to stimulate branching and maintain a harmonious shape. Remove dead or damaged stems as soon as they appear. Moderate pruning after summer flowering can encourage a second bloom.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. Limit fertilization during summer and autumn to avoid excessive growth. Naturally fertile soil reduces the need for regular feeding.
Health and diseases
Perfoliate speedwell is generally hardy. Monitor excessive moisture that could promote rot or fungal diseases. Good aeration and measured watering keep the plant in good health.
Did you know?
Perfoliate speedwell gets its scientific name 'perfoliata' from its remarkable leaves that appear to be pierced by the stem, creating the illusion that the stem perforates them. Native to Australia, it has gradually established itself in Mediterranean and temperate regions, where it charms gardeners and botanists with its delicate pale blue or white flowers, small but abundant.
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
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.