Veronica verna
Veronica verna · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant veronica verna: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Type
- Annual or winter herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 10 to 30 cm tall
- Flowering
- February to May (spring)
- Flower color
- Pale blue to blue-violet
- Foliage
- Deciduous, small and finely cut
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (tolerates down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
Care
Light exposure
Spring speedwell prefers sunny to partially shaded locations. It tolerates bright spots well but fears dense shade which would slow its flowering. A south or east-facing exposure is ideal to promote its growth and generous blooming.
Soil
This plant appreciates well-draining, light to medium soil, even slightly chalky. It adapts to poor soils but dreads waterlogging. A light amendment with compost at planting is more than enough.
Watering
During spring growth, water moderately to keep the soil slightly moist without excess. Once established, speedwell is quite drought-resistant and only needs regular watering during very dry periods. Avoid wetting the foliage.
Pruning and cutting
No formal pruning is necessary. You can remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged flowering. At the end of the season, letting the plant dry naturally allows seeds to scatter if you want spontaneous reseeding.
Fertilizer
Spring speedwell doesn't need regular fertilizer. A very light application of compost in spring is sufficient. Excess nitrogen would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally little susceptible to diseases. Good drainage prevents rot. In case of excessive moisture, watch for powdery mildew or damping off. Growing in healthy, well-aerated conditions limits these risks.
Did you know?
Spring speedwell is one of the first wildflowers to appear in late winter, offering precious pollen to hungry bees and bumblebees after winter. Its Latin name "verna" means exactly "spring-like" in Latin, testament to its faithfulness to spring's arrival. In central Europe, it naturally colonizes paths, fields and rocky areas from February-March onwards.
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.