By Julie Christensen
For a broken - maintenance , tight - raise perennial , try speedwell , also know as veronica . This long - inhabit perennial has much to commend it . It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 11 , which encompasses most of the U.S. It grows in full sunlight , but tolerates partial shade . It grow in most soil type , so long as the dirt is well - drain . It prefers moderate wet , but tolerates teetotal grunge . Best of all , speedwell blooms from spring to autumn . How many perennial can you say that about ? get ’s see more about how to grow speedwell .
Speedwell is a ditch flower , growing along roadsides and in fields throughout Europe and much of the United States . Its name means , “ rush along you well . ” In Ireland , sprigs of speedwell were pinned to a traveller ’s coating to ensure a safe and quick journey .
Speedwell most ordinarily grow as an upright , spreading industrial plant with modest bunch of petals formed on tall spikes . These industrial plant grow 1 to 3 foot improbable and come in majestic , blue , pinkish or white . Another type of speedwell , prostrate speedwell , is a low - lying ground blanket , idealistic for rock ‘n’ roll gardens or scrambling over a wall .
Speedwell Growing Tips
Plant speedwell from nursery transplant in leaping , after the last frost . Amend the soil with compost or peat before planting . Speedwell tolerates both acidulous and alkaline soil , but does n’t do well in wet areas . Compost amend drain . Plant speedwell in full Lord’s Day for dear bloom and limit the plants 18 inches asunder .
circularise 2 in of Natalie Wood chip mulch over the soil to husband wet . Water speedwell in the summertime during dry atmospheric condition ; otherwise , it seldom needs additional lachrymation . Fertilize speedwell in the spring with a balanced , all - purpose fertilizer . In fertile filth , speedwell may not ask extra fertilizing . light-headed - dark-green leave-taking or ho-hum growth indicate a nutrient deficiency .
Deadhead , or polish off , spend blossoms throughout the summer to promote more blooms . Stake taller diversity to keep breakage in mellow winds . Dig up and divide speedwell every 3 to 4 years to further vigorous maturation . To keep the plants looking tidy and subjugate the facing pages of disease , cut the stalks to 2 inches above the ground after the first rime .
If you prefer , seed speedwell germ in the gloam in a cold-blooded frame or at once in your garden . Speedwell postulate a full point of stale weather to germinate . This process , known asstratification , mince the seed pelage so that it splits speedily in the outflow when wet and warm temperatures go far .
Pests and Diseases
Speedwell is , for the most part , free of pest and disease problem . In fact , the most uncouth trouble is one of too much attention . In soggy , overwatered soils , speedwell develops edema . Roots ca n’t receive oxygen and the plant dies . This job is easily solved by embed speedwell in loose , well - draining soil and avoiding overwatering .
Powdery mildew might infect speedwell in late summertime in hot , teetotal conditions . This fungous disease causes a white growth to form on the leaves and stems . The disease is untempting , but rarely fateful . works speedwell so air travel circulates freely around the plant and dispatch any pathologic dowry .
wanderer mite occasionally fertilize on speedwell . You might note white silk filament or white or lily-livered spots on the leaves . Severe infestation can turn the leaf brown . regale wanderer mites by spraying plant with an insecticidal soap or crude . Apply these products on cool , cloudy solar day because app made on live , sunny days can cut plants . Cover the leaves completely and make several applications , spaced 7 day asunder .
Varieties
Speedwell is such a carefree plant life that you ’ll have success with almost any kind you try . Speedwell is even known to be deer- and rabbit - resistant . Below are a few tried - and - lawful variety .
For more information on growing speedwell , visit the following sites :
Speedwell : A upright Choice for Low Maintenance Perennial Gardensfrom Ohio State University .
Genus Veronica ( Speedwell)from hunky-dory Gardening
When she ’s not writing about gardening , food and canning , Julie Christensen enjoys spending clip in her gardens , which include perennial , vegetable and yield tree . She ’s drop a line C of horticulture article for the Gardening Channel , Garden Guides and San Francisco Gate , as well as several Es - books .
