Species large speedwell

large speedwell

Veronica austriaca

Large speedwell (Veronica austriaca) is a flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae family. It is a perennial with blue to purple flowers that bloom in the summer and can reach up to 25 cm tall. Each flower is up to 6 mm in diameter and the plant forms clusters or tracts spreading from its root. This species prefers moist, well-drained soils and is found on hillsides, open grasslands, and along roadsides. It is native to Central Europe, but has been introduced to many other countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Large speedwell is an attractive wildflower that can be used in landscaping to add colour and texture to gardens.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Large speedwell should be watered regularly, but gently, as its roots are shallow. During its growing season, which typically starts in late spring, water the plant once or twice a week, increasing the frequency to every other day on particularly hot days. During its dormant season, usually lasting from fall through winter, water it less often, preferably once a month. Always water your large speedwell early in the morning, and use lukewarm water to prevent shocking the plant. Additionally, make sure to water the soil around the plant thoroughly and not just the stems or foliage, as this will allow the plant to draw up the needed moisture from the soil.

sunlight

Large Speedwell enjoys full sun, meaning that it will need direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day for optimal growth. It is also tolerant of partial shade, although it prefers a sunny spot that has protection from the afternoon sun. Consider planting in a location that receives sunlight towards the morning, as most sun is usually received in the first 1-2 hours after sunrise. If enough sunlight is not available in a certain area, consider offering supplemental lighting. Large Speedwell should be exposed to 11 to 13 hours of light per day in order to provide photosynthesis for the plant to thrive.

pruning

Large speedwell (Veronica austriaca) benefits from pruning every spring. This can be done just after flowering (around May, depending on the climate where it is planted) or in early spring. Pruning should involve cutting out all of the dead flower stems from the previous season, as well as any woody, leggy stems that have lost their foliage. After this initial cutoff, the plant can be further shaped to reveal its attractive mounding habit. If desired, the existing stems can be cut back to a desired height or shape. Pruning should never be more than 1-third of the plant's current height in any given year. Plants should also be regularly monitored to remove any damaged or diseased stems.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Veronica austriaca typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map