Speedwells (Veronica)

Speedwells

Also known as: Gypsyweeds

Speedwells are a large and diverse group of flowering plants in the plantain family that are found in a wide variety of habitats. While some species have lovely blooms that make them attractive groundcover, other species are considered pesky weeds. Speedwells also fill important ecological roles, providing a food source for a wide variety of butterflies, moths, and other insects.

Scientific classification

Genus

Speedwells (Veronica)

Family

Plantain

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

1.8 m

Plant Height

1.5 m

Spread

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Speedwells

Species

Birdeye speedwell New Zealand hebe Longleaf Speedwell Alpine speedwell Koromiko Mountain-box Koromiko Green field-speedwell Boxwood Glandular speedwell Prostrate speedwell Whipcord hebe Faded speedwell Skullcap speedwell Rock speedwell Pink water speedwell Leafless-stemmed speedwell Heartleaf speedwell Daisy-leaved speedwell Spring corn speedwell Gentian speedwell Breckland speedwell Pale ivy-leaved speedwell Broadleaf speedwell Finger speedwell Ivy-leaved speedwell Dillenius's speedwell Bird's eye Garden speedwell Speedwells 'Frozen Flame'Speedwells 'Blue Gem'Speedwells 'Youngii'Speedwells 'lowgeko'Speedwells 'Caledonia'Speedwells 'Silver Queen'Veronica henryi Large speedwell Snow queen Fiordland parahebe 'Avalanche'Spiked speedwell 'Red Fox'Veronica pinguifolia Digger's speedwell Veronica stenophylla Speedwells 'Sweet Lullaby'Spiked speedwell 'Pink Damask'Corsican speedwell Speedwells 'Pascal'Veronica Shrubby veronica Topiarist's hebe Rakai hebe Cypress veronica 'Boughton Dome'Veronica pinguifolia 'Pagei'Prostrate speedwell 'Nestor'White hebe Veronica javanica Hedge veronica Brightblue speedwell Germander speedwell Thyme-leaved speedwell Veronica austriaca subsp. dentata Veronica triloba Speedwells 'Cliv'Speedwells 'Lowten'Large speedwell 'Crater Lake Blue'Speedwells 'Emerald Gem'Speedwells 'Sunny Border Blue'Veronica peduncularis 'Waterperry Blue'Spike Speedwell Veronica morrisonicola Undulate speedwell Speedwells 'Midsummer Beauty'Veronica peduncularis 'Whitewater'Speedwells 'Rosie'Speedwells 'White Wands'Spiked speedwell 'Blue Bomb'Speedwells 'Burning Heart'Prostrate speedwell 'Spode Blue'Speedwells 'Wizard of Ahhs'Garden speedwell 'Charlotte'Large speedwell 'Royal Blue'Speedwells 'Georgia Blue'Spiked speedwell 'Glory'

Quickly Identify Speedwells

Spiky floral arrangements distinguish speedwells from other plants.

Leaves are lance-shaped, glossy, with finely serrated margins and pinnate venation.

Flowers come in blue, pink, white, and purple hues, with star-like symmetry.

Individual flower spikes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.

Thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil; trim back post-flowering for potential rebloom.

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Care Guide for Speedwells

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Speedwells prefers consistently moist soil, typical of temperate regions, and shows moderate drought tolerance. Weekly watering maintains optimal hydration, especially during the active growing season. As an herbaceous perennial, growing speedwells outdoors allows natural rainfall to support its water needs.

Propagation: Propagation of speedwells can be achieved through seed sowing, cuttings, and division. Essential factors include plenty of light, well-draining soil, and moderate temperatures. For success, keep seeds moist and use rooting hormone for cuttings. Difficulty ranges from low to moderate.

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Learn More About Speedwells

Flower Meaning

How to Grow and Care

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