European Speedwell - Veronica beccabunga (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

European Speedwell

Also known as: Cow Cress, European Brooklime, Water Pimpernel, Water-Pumpy

European Speedwell is a small, perennial groundcover that thrives in damp locations. This low maintenance native plant grows well along pond borders and attracts pollinators with its blue or pink flowers.

Scientific classification

Species

European Speedwell (Veronica beccabunga)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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20 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

1.2 m

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Blue

Flower Color

Green, Blue

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of European Speedwell

Distribution of European Speedwell

Distribution Map

European Speedwell is native to temperate regions of Eurasia and has found its way to North America and parts of South America. This plant thrives in a variety of freshwater habitats and can be commonly found along streams and wet areas. Nowadays, european Speedwell is widely naturalized outside its native range, adapting to new environments across different continents.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Streams, ditches, ponds and wet places in meadows

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

European Speedwell originates from Europe and parts of Asia. This plant is classified as a weed due to its high adaptability and aggressive rate of growth. It has an exceptional ability to reproduce quickly, encroaching upon other plants' space, depriving them of essential resources. The plant aggressively takes over the garden, crowding out desirable species, thereby causing a reduction in plant diversity. In addition, its extensive root system allows it to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions and take up a lot of water, further stressing other garden plants. Its primary means of spreading is by rooting along the stem, which lays on the ground. Each node that comes into contact with the soil has the potential to develop into a new plant, enabling european Speedwell to invade large areas rapidly.

How to Control It

The best time to remove european Speedwell is during spring, before the plant begins to bud and flower. Here are some methods to control or remove the plant organically:

Hand pulling: Firstly, wait until after a rain when the soil is moist. Then, gather gloves and a garden fork. Start by loosening the soil around european Speedwell using the fork. Grab the plant close to the base and pull slowly to avoid breaking the roots. If parts of the roots are left behind, they can regrow.
Smothering: For this method, you will need several newspapers and a few bales of straw. Firstly, lay newspapers over european Speedwell, making sure to overlap the edges by at least 6 inches. Then, put a four-inch layer of straw on top of the newspapers. This method blocks light and smothers the weed, resulting in its death.
Vinegar spray: A spray made from vinegar can be effective at controlling european Speedwell. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Spray it directly onto the weed's leaves but be careful not to spray surrounding plants as vinegar can harm them.
Planting desirable plants: Choose plants that can compete with european Speedwell for resources. Plant them around european Speedwell to limit its growth. Some recommended plants include clumping grasses or dense groundcovers.
Groundcover materials: Cover the ground around european Speedwell with materials like wood chips, bark, or gravel to reduce its growth. Both paths and patio areas can be covered using these water-permeable materials.

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Care Guide for European Speedwell

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: European Speedwell thrives in moist environments, requiring weekly watering to ensure lush growth. Higher humidity levels in indoor settings are beneficial, mimicking its natural habitat. As an evergreen, european Speedwell retains water well, contributing to its vibrant appearance year-round.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, european Speedwell requires balanced nutrition through diluted fertilizers applied biweekly in spring and summer, monthly in fall, and paused in winter. Watering before feeding prevents root burn. Adjustments are vital as over-fertilization during dormancy can damage european Speedwell.

Pruning: Remove withered flowers from european Speedwell to enhance appearance and conserve nutrients. Prune on sunny mornings, cutting close to the last flower. This regulates blooming, with a second bloom typically in 20 days. After winter, prune yellowed parts when temperatures exceed 0°C (32°F) to encourage new growth.

Propagation: European Speedwell thrives when propagated through division, involving the careful separation of the root mass into smaller sections. Minimizing root damage promotes robust growth. After division, replant segments in moist, organic-rich soil and keep well-watered until they are established.

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