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Photo:
Pat Kolling
Speedwell
Latin Name:
Veronica spicata 'Giles van Hees'
Low-growing groundcover. Very showy in full bloom.
Taxon ID#
96
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Sun Preference:
Partial Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Plantaginaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Veronica is a genus of about 250 species of annuals, perennials and some sub-shrubs mainly from Europe.
Genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some gen
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
no
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
Small lance shaped green leaves
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Pink
Flower Description:
Dense, vertical terminal spikes of tiny reddish-pink flowers.
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Deciduous
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
3-6"
Mature spread:
8-10"
Growth rate:
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
yes
Attracts Pollinators:
no
Attracts Butterflies:
no
Native Habitat:
Limestone rock and dry grasslands
Attracts Birds:
no
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no
Photo:
Used by Wildlife:
no
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
no
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
yes
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Adds Texture/Movement:
no
First Bloom:
May
Last Bloom:
Jun
Ornamental Accent:
no
Garden Observations:
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
Cut tall varieties of speedwell back to about 6 inches in height if the plants look tired and leggy in midsummer. The plants will appear bare for a few days but soon will develop healthy, more compact growth and renew blooming. Shorter varieties of speedw
Fall Care:
Prune speedwell plants down to 2 to 3 inches in height in late autumn or in early spring before new growth appears. Pruning in autumn is best if you prefer a tidy wintertime garden; however, leaving the plants intact until spring adds interest to the gard
Winter Care:
Long Term Care:
Insect Pests:
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Downy mildew, Powdery mildew (https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-and-disease-descriptions?title=veronic)
Environmental Problems:
Root rot may occur in wet, poorly-drained soils.
Landscape Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Care Comments:
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. P
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden
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