Species large speedwell
blue-yellow flowers with green leaves and stems

large speedwell

Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue'

Large speedwell (Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue') is an attractive perennial native to South and Central Europe. The flowers are violet-blue and up to 1 inch wide. It blooms in mid- to late summer and grows to about 12 to 24 inches in height. Its small, glossy oval leaves are shiny green and have serrated edges. They grow in mounds in full sun and grow best in moist, well-drained soil. The plant is drought tolerant and can be propagated by division, cuttings or seed. Its a great addition to any garden as it attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Gentian blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Large speedwell (Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue') should be watered thoroughly once a week. The best time to water this species is in the morning just after the sun rises. During the warmer months, it may be beneficial to water this plant twice a week. Be sure to check the soil prior to watering to ensure it is not overly wet or dry. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.

sunlight

Large speedwell (Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue') is a midsize perennial flower that prefers direct sunlight. The plant should get a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight each day in order to promote blooming and overall health. If grown in a shaded area, the plant might not bloom as expected. Full sun exposure is ideal for large speedwells, and they should be grown in well-draining soils. High temperatures and humidity are ideal for this plant species. If grown outdoors, morning sun with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun is ideal. If grown indoors, an east-facing window will provide ample sunlight.

pruning

Pruning should be done twice a year to help Large Speedwell (Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue') reach its full potential. In late spring, about 1 month after blooming, trim back any dead flower stems and tangles of sterile shoots. This will help to encourage new growth and better shape. In late summer, around August, prune back the outer stems by up to 1 third of their length. This will help the plant keep its dense, mounded shape and will also ensure plenty of stems for the next season.

Season

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

Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue' typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map