What is a Speedwell plant?
How to Care for a Speedwell Plant! The genus veronica is the largest plant genus in the plantaginaceae botanical family and it has over 500 different species! Named after the Saint Veronica, these incredible flowering plants are versatile and beautiful that there is a guaranteed perfect specimen for any and all green spaces.
What does Speedwell look like?
Speedwell is recognizable by its oval-shaped leaves, long flowering stems, and small flowers in a variety of colors spreading out over the stem. “Speedwell” refers to a number of different broadleaf weeds and a variety of species that share characteristics in appearance.
Can you grow Speedwell from seed?
As previously mentioned, the speedwell plant is tolerant of a variety of conditions but prefers full sun and well drained soil. Speedwell can be sown from seed, however, it is more commonly purchased from a nursery so planting speedwell in the garden can take place right away in spring.
How tall does Speedwell grass grow?
Speedwell, varieties of which reach a height of 2 to 24 inches, is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9a or zones 3 through 8, depending on the source.
Do speedwell plants spread?
Veronica spicata is rarely grown from seed, but it can be sown directly in the garden in spring through mid-summer. Germination can take two or three weeks. These plants sometimes spread by self-seeding in the garden, or you can collect the seed heads and plant the seeds where you want.
What is the difference between Veronica and speedwell?
Veronica, also called Speedwell, is a carefree and easy-to-grow perennial with long spikes of small petals in purple, blue, pink, or white. Here's how to grow veronica in your garden! This attractive plant grows in clusters from 1 to 3 feet tall, and blooms from spring to autumn.
Do you cut back speedwell?
The tallest speedwell specimens generally require staking, and in late autumn after the first frost, cut stems back to an inch (2.5 cm.) or so above ground level.
Does speedwell bloom all summer?
Flowering and Fragrance The blue variety is the most common. However, the blue speedwell flowers are closer to a purplish color. It produces flowers reaching about six inches in length. Their bloom time is late spring and into summer.
Do hummingbirds like speedwell?
Veronica | Speedwell Veronica (Speedwell) comes in a wide variety of heights for you to choose from—but they are all easy and undemanding to grow. These perennials prefer full sun and average, well–drained soil. Veronica plants are deer resistant, drought tolerant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
What is speedwell good for?
What is Speedwell good for? Speedwell is commonly used to treat coughs and other respiratory diseases. It is also appropriate for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism, digestive problems like diarrhea, and a gargle to treat sore throat.
Do butterflies like speedwell?
Veronica | Speedwell Veronica (Speedwell) comes in a wide variety of heights for you to choose from—but they are all easy and undemanding to grow. These perennials prefer full sun and average, well–drained soil. Veronica plants are deer resistant, drought tolerant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Is speedwell toxic to dogs?
Is Speedwell Safe? According to gardening expert Bryan McKenzie of The Bumper Crop Times, speedwell is edible for humans and pets, but eating too much may cause vomiting.
Is speedwell a wildflower?
Speedwell Veronica spp. A wildflower to "speed you well": the speedwell is as common on roadsides verges as it is garden lawns. Travellers in years gone by appreciated its bright blue petals and in Ireland it was sewn into clothes as a charm to protect against accidents.
Should I deadhead Veronica Speedwell?
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Will Veronica rebloom if deadheaded?
Veronica spicata Deadhead spent flowers by cutting them off at their base after they bloom. This will encourage the plant to continue producing more flowers.
Why is my speedwell dying?
In fact, the most common problem is one of too much attention. In soggy, overwatered soils, speedwell develops edema. Roots can't receive oxygen and the plant dies. This problem is easily solved by planting speedwell in loose, well-draining soils and avoiding overwatering.
Why is Veronica called speedwell?
Veronica longifolia and Veronica spicata are both commonly called garden or spike speedwell because of their large and attractive flower spikes.
Why is it called speedwell?
A family of small blue flowers is common in the countryside now. These are the speedwells, so named because they seem to wish you good fortune as you meet them on the roadside. The most obvious is germander speedwell, a brilliant blue, four-lobed flower with a white centre, about half the size of a buttercup.
Will Veronica rebloom if deadheaded?
Veronica spicata Deadhead spent flowers by cutting them off at their base after they bloom. This will encourage the plant to continue producing more flowers.
What does the plant Veronica look like?
Color and characteristics: Flowers come in blue, purple, white or pink; with green, gold, or silver foliage. Groundcover types produce a profusion of tiny individual flowers or short flower spikes; and summer blooming, taller varieties, have clusters of flowers that grow in spikes.
What is a speedwell plant?
Image by Vaivirga. Planting speedwell ( Veronica officinalis) in the garden is a great way to enjoy long-lasting blooms throughout the summer season. These easy-care plants don’t require much upkeep once established, making them ideal for the busy gardener.
What type of soil does Veronica Speedwell like?
However, it does prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil. The soil pH can be as liberal as neutral, alkaline, or acidic with moisture content from average to quite moist.
How long does Speedwell perennial flower last?
Flowers will bloom for six to eight weeks throughout the summer months and, as a result, make beautiful cut flower additions to vase arrangements or for container gardening in mixed flower groupings.
How tall is a speedwell?
The hardy medium sized speedwell, with striking 1 to 3 feet (31-91 cm.) flower spikes, flourishes in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. As previously mentioned, the speedwell plant is tolerant of a variety of conditions but prefers full sun and well drained soil.
When to cut speedwells back?
The tallest speedwell specimens generally require staking, and in late autumn after the first frost, cut stems back to an inch (2.5 cm.) or so above ground level.
How to grow Speedwell?
The best sowing times are the months of March to mid-May. The seeds of the common speedwell can be sown directly in the field. When sowing, a planting distance of at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) should be kept, since the plant usually forms small carpets. The plant is light germ, so the seeds should only be pressed slight in the soil. The sowing site should always be slightly moist but never completely wet. Also, a drying of the substrate is to be avoided. In general, the first seedlings appear after 12 to 30 days. The colder it is, the longer the germination takes. A cultivation on balcony or terrace is easily possible. The substrate used here is a commercial herbal soil or topsoil with 50 percent compost.
How to make speedwell tea?
Preparation of a speedwell tea 1 put two teaspoons in a tea strainer in a cup 2 dash with boiling water 3 let steep for 5 minutes
What is the order of Veronica officinalis?
Plant order of Veronica officinalis. In the botanical classification, speedwell (Veronica officinalis) belongs to the family of plantain plants (Plantaginaceae). The plant is thus directly related to other important medicinal herbs such as the broadleaf plantain or the ribwort.
What type of soil does Speedwell grow in?
Speedwell grows best on slightly acidic, nutrient-rich and slightly loamy soils.
What is the shape of a speedwell?
Their shape can be described as elliptical to egg-shaped, where the leaf edges are slightly sawn. The leaves are arranged opposite each other from the stem. The stem is like the leaves hairy soft.
Is Speedwell a weed?
Speedwell looks like a harmless little weed, but with its bright blue flowers, it entices to a second look when you meet it walking in sparse woods. This second look is worthwhile, because speedwell is a very versatile medicinal plant. In old books, there are numerous applications, including against scabies, age itching and psoriasis. Likewise, the herb should clear out memory lapses and who knows, maybe it even helps with Alzheimer’s? This disease is so new that at the beginning of its research, speedwell had already been forgotten.
Where did Speedwell originate?
The exact origin of speedwell can not be determined exactly. What is certain, however, is that the origin of the plant is between eastern Europe and western Asia. The plant is today wild in almost all European countries, except in Northern Scandinavia.
How to prevent speedwell outbreaks?
As with all broadleaf weeds, ensuring optimum turf health is the best way to prevent speedwell outbreaks. It is crucial to aerate and overseed with proper watering and fertilization, because speedwell is notorious for taking advantage of any weaknesses in turf.
Can speedwell be removed?
If speedwell has already begun seeding your lawn, hand removal may not be enough and broadleaf weed control may be required to control its aggressive nature.
Is Speedwell a weed?
The different varieties of speedwell all look similar, so it can be hard to tell one broadleaf weed from another. Highly invasive, speedwell is one of the few weeds considered to be stronger than turfgrass.
What is Speedwell's name?
Speedwell is also commonly known as gypsyweed and bird’s eye.
How tall does Veronica grow?
It is the largest member of the Plantaginaceae family. There are some 500 species of veronica growing in clusters from one to three feet in height. The plant has long attractive spikes of little petals that are colored blue, pink, purple or white blooming from spring until fall.
How long to steep Speedwell tea?
Speedwell tea is very easy to make. Simply add one or two teaspoons of the dried herb to a cup of boiling water and steep for ten minutes. Strain and add honey to taste.
Why do people drink speedwell tea?
People also drink speedwell tea to treat digestive troubles and to boost appetite during times of sickness and recovery.
Why did Native Americans use Speedwell?
Native Americans used speedwell to relieve congestion and asthma because of its natural expectorant properties. In Ireland, people pinned the plant to their clothing to keep them safe from accident. Speedwell is sometimes confused with mint family members like skullcap.
Does Speedwell tea help with coughs?
The use of speedwell to treat coughs and other respiratory symptoms goes back hundreds of years. Treating coughs is still one of the most common uses of speedwell and speedwell tea today.
What are the benefits of Speedwell?
8 Amazing Benefits of Speedwell. The natural world has a great deal to offer beyond its beauty. A multitude of plants, trees, flowers and herbs contain a wide range of healing compounds that can do your health the world of good. Unlike powerful pharmaceutical medicines, medicinal plants and herbs are far less likely to cause adverse side effects ...
Alaska Speedwell (Veronica Alaskensis)
While most flowers struggle in the harsh conditions of cold Alaska, the Alaskan speedwell thrives. It can be distinguished from other flowering speedwell due to the lack of a long stem. In fact, the Alaskan speedwell, which is also found in Yukon, is short and hairy, with small flowers. This has led to another nickname: northern kittentails!
Alpine Speedwell (Veronica Wormskjoldii)
Thriving in a moist alpine habitat, alpine speedwell is a hardy plant.
American Speedwell (Veronica Americana)
Native to Asia and North America, American speedwell grows in streams and low-lying land. Said to have a taste similar to watercress, American speedwell has historically been eaten and used in medicine. When grown in clean water, every part of the plant apart from the roots can be eaten raw.
Azores Speedwell (Veronica Dabneyi)
Once thought to be extinct, the Azores speedwell was rediscovered in 1999 on the warm and damp slopes of the Azores. It likes altitude, often found above 660 feet, and grows purple and white flowers from green foliage.
Banks Peninsula Hebe (Veronica Strictissima)
This type of Veronica, the Banks Peninsula Hebe, is only found in the Banks Peninsula in New Zealand. It was used as a treatment for dysentery, particularly during the Second World War. The Maori also made use of the Banks Peninsula Hebe, as a treatment for headaches and kidney troubles.
Broadleaf Speedwell (Veronica Austriaca)
The broadleaf speedwell is native to Northern Europe, and grows in a flowering mound. Throughout summer, you can see the attractive and bright blue flowers blooming in Austria. You can certainly spot broadleaf speedwell from a distance, as it grows in clusters of flowers up to 35 inches tall, and 24 inches wide.
Brooklime (Veronica Beccabunga)
The Brooklime is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, preferring to grow in brooks and ditches. Brooklime is very easy to grow, but they do need plenty of water, and can have blue or pink flowers. They were once used alongside scurvy grass and watercress as a potential treatment for scurvy.
How to grow Speedwell in Clemson?
The Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends feeding perennials such as speedwell in early spring just as new growth emerges. Use 12-6-6 fertilizer at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of area. Keep the fertilizer from touching the fresh new growth because it can burn it. Water thoroughly after feeding to distribute the nutrients into the soil.
What zone does Speedwell grow in?
Speedwell (Veronica spp.) grows best within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b to 9a, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, where its showy flower spikes will attract pollinating insects such as butterflies.
How to deadhead speedwell?
Deadhead speedwell throughout the growing season by pinching or clipping off old, wilted blooms down to the next flower bud or leaf. Removing the spent flowers encourages speedwell plants to continue to produce blooms until autumn. If spent blooms aren't removed, the plants' energy is directed toward developing seeds instead of growing new blooms.
How to sanitize pruning shears?
To sanitize the pruning shears, first wash them in hot water to remove any debris from the blades. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends soaking the blades for 30 minutes in a 10-percent-strength bleach solution. Mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts tepid water in a bucket and soak the shears.
How to keep weeds down on a plant?
A 1- to 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as pine bark, around the plants will help hold moisture in the soil and keep weeds down. Just be sure to leave a few inches between the mulch layer and the base of the stems to prevent rot. Always let the soil dry between watering to prevent root rot.
How to prune Speedwell?
Pinch the tips and first set of leaves of young speedwell plants as soon as you plant them as bedding plants or seedlings in spring. Removing the tips, using scissors or your fingernails, forces the plants to branch out and create bushy, compact growth. Pinch the tips again in about three weeks, if desired, for even fuller growth.
Does deadheading speedwell flowers bloom?
Deadheading will prompt the plant to bloom again, according to the Chester County Master Gardener Program. The flower spikes on speedwell plants don't bloom all at once; instead, they appear in waves.
Plant Characteristics and Classification Ofspeedwell
Speedwell – Sowing, Cultivation and Care
- An easy to care for perennial with flowers in an array of vibrant blues, pinks and white, the speedwell is drought resistant but should be watered in the summer when there is less than an inch of rainfall per week. The plant has a long blooming season, from June to August, and is fairly pest and disease resistant as well, with the exception of some...
Use of Speedwell
Buy Speedwell – What Should Be considered?