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Germander speedwell
Also known as: Cat's eyes
Germander speedwell (*Veronica chamaedrys*) is also known as cat’s eyes because the center of each flower resembles the iridescent eye of a cat. This herbaceous perennial is a hardy weed that invades lawns and turf. The pretty blue flowers of the germander speedwell wilt quickly when picked. Nevertheless, it was once considered good luck for travelers to wear them on their coats.
Scientific classification
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Perennial
Lifespan
50 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
8 mm to 1.2 cm
Flower Size
Brown
Fruit Color
Blue, White
Flower Color
Green, White, Blue
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Evergreen, Deciduous
Leaf type
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Germander speedwell

Distribution of Germander speedwell

Distribution Map
Germander speedwell is originally native to Europe, Western Asia, and the Caucasus region. It has been introduced and naturalized in parts of Northern and Southern America, as well as in Oceania. This species is also cultivated in various regions beyond its native range for horticultural purposes.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Grassland, woods, hedges
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
Because it spreads so readily, germander speedwell makes an excellent decorative ground cover plant. Its flowers last through spring and summer, so you can also plant it in your wildflower garden beds and enjoy its colorful blooms. It needs full sun and plenty of space to spread out, although it can survive below-freezing temperatures in colder gardens.
Symbolism
Loyalty and fidelity
Interesting Facts
There's another interesting explanation for the common name 'speedwell''. Veronica chamaedrys is often found along roads and it's considered as a sign of good luck for travelers, so as other Veronica flowers. It's believed that if a traveller would wear germander speedwell in his buttonhole, it would speed him up and protect hi, on his journey.
Name Story
Bird's-eye speedwell||Cat's eyes||Germander speedwell||Germander-leaved speedwell: The look of its blue-violet petals with white markings gave Veronica chamaedrys its common names - Cat's eyes and Bird's-eye speedwell. The common name 'speedwell, used for all the plants of the Veronica genus, comes from an archaic meaning of the word speed, 'to thrive'.
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Weed Control

Germander speedwell or Germander speedwell finds its original roots in Eurasia and is generally considered a broadleaf weed. As a weed, its survival potential is high as it is hardy, colonizing, and can proliferate in a variety of conditions. Moreover, its high reproduction rate, achieved through the large number of seeds it produces, can result in a widespread invasion of this plant, often dominating flower beds and out-competing other plants for nutrients and light. More so, it’s a perennial weed meaning it has a long lifespan and can regrow each year from root stocks. Recognizing germander speedwell in your garden requires vigilance, look out for its small bright blue flowers, heart-shaped leaves and creeping stems. The plant mainly disperses its seeds through the action of wind or animals, thereby spreading to new locations. This dispersal mechanism is adept at invading new territories, making this plant not just a persistent, but also a highly invasive weed.
How to Control It
For germander speedwell, the best time to control it is before it sets seed in late spring or early summer.
  1. Hand pulling: Remove germander speedwell by gripping the base of the stem and pull gently to get the root out. Do it after rainfall when the soil is moist for easier removal.
  2. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants to suppress germander speedwell growth and seed germination.
  3. Mowing: Regularly mow the area where germander speedwell grows, cutting it before it has a chance to bloom and spread.
  4. Crowding out: Plant thick ground covers or other competitive plants that will outcompete germander speedwell for sunlight and nutrients.
  5. Boiling water: Pouring boiling water directly onto germander speedwell can kill the plant and its seeds without affecting the soil or surrounding plants.
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Care Guide for Germander speedwell

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Originating from moist meadows, germander speedwell prefers consistent soil hydration without waterlogging. Weekly watering is ideal to maintain balance. Its growth season heavily relies on water availability, necessitating careful irrigation during critical growth periods.
Fertilize: For optimal growth, germander speedwell requires monthly application of diluted balanced fertilizers during active growth in spring and summer, reducing in fall and stopping in winter. Incorporate a slow-release option and water soil before fertilizing to enhance absorption and prevent root damage.
Pruning: Germander speedwell features vibrant blue flowers and delicate foliage. Prune in early to late spring, trimming dead or overgrown stems. Reducing height by a third promotes a compact shape and enhances flowering. For precise techniques, consult trusted horticultural guides.
Propagation: Germander speedwell spreads through stolons, making expansion easy for gardeners. For propagation, take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer from healthy shoots. Using rooting hormone and a well-draining soil mix under humid, indirect light enhances success for transplanting rooted specimens.
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