Thymeleaf speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant thymeleaf speedwell: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Plant type
- Annual to perennial herbaceous plant depending on climate
- Adult size
- 4–12 inches tall
- Flowering
- April to September
- Flower color
- White, pale pink or pale blue with veins
- Foliage
- Small and oval, persistent
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to 5 °F
- Origin
- Eurasia, very cosmopolitan
Care
Sunlight
Plant the thyme-leaved speedwell in full sun or partial shade, where it will benefit from 4 to 6 hours of daily light. This plant tolerates partially shaded areas well and adapts to various environments. A sunny exposure promotes more abundant flowering and compact growth.
Soil and Drainage
Prefer well-drained soil, even poor or rocky. This plant tolerates dry soils and doesn't require great fertility. Avoid continuously wet soils, which promote root rot. A light addition of sand or gravel improves drainage if your soil is clayey.
Watering
Water moderately, especially during planting and extended dry periods. Once established, speedwell is very drought-resistant and needs little water. In temperate climates with regular rainfall, additional watering is rarely necessary. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Pruning and Pinching
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage a second wave of blooms. You can pinch young plants in spring to promote bushier growth. No drastic pruning is necessary; simply cutting back faded stems is enough.
Fertilizer
Provide very little fertilizer, as this plant thrives in poor soil. A light application in spring with a balanced fertilizer or a pinch of compost is more than enough. Over-fertilizing causes soft growth at the expense of flowering.
Health and Pests
Thyme-leaved speedwell is generally very healthy and rarely affected by pests or diseases. Maintain good drainage and airflow to prevent any rot. In case of excessive moisture, mildew may appear: reduce watering and aerate the growing area.
Did you know?
The thyme-leaved speedwell is a humble but cosmopolitan little plant that naturally colonizes lean lawns, paths, and disturbed areas of Europe, Asia, and North America. Its botanical name 'serpyllifolia' literally means 'with leaves resembling thyme,' a reference to its tiny foliage. Though discreet, it has long interested herbalists and botanists as an ecological indicator of poor and dry terrain.
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
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- Coral plantRusselia equisetiformis
- Bunchleaf penstemonPenstemon heterophyllus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.