Veronica

( ver - RON - ik - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes species of flowering perennial plants which need full sun and have varying water needs. Veronica plants are commonly called Speedwell, Bird's Eye, and Gypsyweed, and produce flowers that will attract birds and butterflies to your garden space. These flowers range in height and width depending on the species, and produce masses of flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, rose, or deep blue. They are wonderful in rock gardens and in mixed beds and borders, and can also do well as groundcovers or container plants.

Veronica Species and Varietals

The genus Veronica is a member of the plant family Plantaginaceae and includes around 500 distinct species. The genus is closely related to Hebe. The best growing zones for Veronica vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Veronica agrestis (Green Field-Speedwell)
These plants are native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, and have been introduced to eastern North America, India, and elsewhere around the globe. Plants have a sprawling habit, and produce white to light blue flowers (sometimes lilac ones) and green leaves. These plants are not typically cultivated as garden ornamentals.

Veronica alpina (Alpine Veronica, Apline Speedwell)
This species is native to Europe, Eurasia, and North America and has a creeping habit. It grows well in zones 1-7 and 14-17, producing spiked clusters of blue flowers in spring and early summer. In warm areas, it will have a repeat bloom in fall. These plants need regular water to perform well in the garden. Variety 'Alba' grows to 10 inches tall and has white flowers.

Veronica americana (American Brooklime, American Speedwell)
These plants are native to temperate and arctic Asia and North America, where they are found growing along streams and in moist, low-lying areas. They are perennial plants, and produce stems reaching up to 40 inches tall when in bloom. Flowers are soft violet-colored. These plants are edible, and are rich in nutrients; they have a taste similar to watercress.

Veronica anagallis-aquatica (Water Speedwell, Blue Water-Speedwell, Brook Pimpernel)
This species is native to Africa and Eurasia, where it grows in moist and wet habitats. They are semi-aquatic plants, often found growing in shallow water along streambanks, in ponds, and in wetlands. It is threatened with extinction in some parts of its native range. Flowers are light blue to white.

Veronica arcuata
This species of Veronica forms a perennial herb or small shrub that reaches up to 30 inches tall when fully grown and in bloom. These plants grow from underground rhizome roots, and produce stems and leaves that are bluish green. Flowers are blue to violet-blue, and form on drooping spikelets at stem tips.

Veronica austriaca teucrium 'Crater Lake Blue' (Broadleaf Speedwell, Large Speedwell, Austrian Speedwell, Saw-Leaved Speedwell)
This species; cultivar grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-21 and is native to Europe. It reaches 12-15 inches tall and wide and produces short spikes of blue flowers in the middle of summer. This species needs regular water to perform well in the garden.

Veronica gentianoides (Gentian Speedwell)
This species grows well in zones 1-9 and 14-24 and has hairy foliage. Forms a foliage mat up to 1.5 feet tall and sends up 8-inch tall stems topped by clustered blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It needs little to moderate water. Varieties include 'Mrs. Holt' (with pale pink flowers), 'Heavenly Blue' (reaching just 6 inches tall), 'Trehane' (with golden foliage and blue flowers) and 'Aztec Gold' (with blue flowers and greenish-gold foliage).

Veronica bishopiana (Waitakere Rock Koromiko)
These plants are native to New Zealand, and were first formally described in 1926 by Donald Petrie. Leaves are green with some maroon flushing, and flowers are white and mauve-colored. Individual plants reach up to 40 inches tall and have a sprawling habit.

Veronica catarractae (Parahebe catarractae) (Waterfall Parahebe)
This species of flowering plants is native to New Zealand, and is commonly grown as a garden ornamental. Individual plants reach up to between 6 and 12 inches tall when mature and in bloom. The species cultivar 'Delight' is a choice garden ornamental.

Veronica cinerea (Ash-Colored Speedwell, Gray Speedwell)
This species is native to Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria. It is evergreen, and forms a mat of green foliage that is useful as a groundcover. It is a popularly grown garden ornamental, and produces greyish-green foliage and blue to violet colors. Individual plants reach up to 3-6 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

Veronica cymbalaria (Pale Speedwell, Glandular Speedwell, Cymbal Speedwell)
These plants have a sprawling habit, and are used as groundcover. They are native to the Mediterranean region, and produce white flowers and green foliage. These flowers typically grow in dry, open habitats, including roadsides and dunes.

Veronica filiformis (Slender Speedwell, Creeping Speedwell, Threadstalk, Whetzel Weed)
This species of Veronica is native to Eastern Europe and western Asia, and has established itself in many other regions of the world. They rarely seed, typically spreading by stolons to form colonies. Leaves are small and green. Plants typically reach between 4 and 8 inches tall and produce purple and white flowers.

Veronica formosa
These plants, endemic to Tasmania in Australia, form subshrubs that reach between 20 inches and six and a half feet tall. Green leaves are lanceolate and small. Flowers are pale lilac or violet blue, and bloom in racemes between late spring and early summertime.

Veronica gentianoides (Gentian Speedwell)
These plants are native to the Middle East (from Turkey to Iran). They form mats of glossy green foliage grouped into rosettes. Flowers bloom in early summertime on spikes up to 16 inches tall. The species is variable in flower color, ranging from almost white to deep blue. Popular garden ornamental cultivars of the species include 'Variegata' (with white-marked leaves), 'Tissington White' (with very pale flowers), and 'Nana' (a dwarf variety).

Veronica hederifolia (Ivy-Leaved Speedwell)
This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and north Africa, and has naturalized in other areas of the world. It is considered a weed in some areas, and produces small pale lilac to bluish flowers. Individual plants in this species reach just under 2 feet tall when mature.

Veronica jovellanoides (Riverhead Speedwell)
This species is endemic to New Zealand, where only three plants are known in the wild. This species is critically endangered, and was discovered in 2007. These creeping plants form a mat of foliage with stems that can reach up to 6.6 feet long. Leaves are green on top, pale green underneath, and are spatula-shaped. They can have reddish margins. White flowers with purple rings around the top of their yellow-green throats bloom from October through December in the plant's native range.

Veronica missurica (Synthyris missurica) (Tailed Kittentails, Mountain Kittentails, Colombia Kittentails)
These Pacific Northwest native flowers grow in moist areas in forests and other mountain habitats. It is a wildflower, and is typically the first of the year to send up flowering stems in the spring. Flowers are bright blue, and have protruding stamens. Plants typically reach up to between 3 and 5 feet tall.

Veronica nivea (Milfoil Speedwell, Snow Speedwell)
These flowering plants are endemic to southeastern Australia, and form subshrubs that reach between 6 and 20 inches tall. The species produces flowers that range in color from white to pale lilac and light blue.

Veronica officinalis (Heath Speedwell, Common Gypsyweed, Common Speedwell, Paul's Betony)
These plants are native to Europe and western Asia. They have white flowers striped with violet or magenta, and flower between the months of May and August. They are sometimes grown as an edible plant or medicinal herb. Drived leaves can be used for tea.

Veronica peduncularis (Veronica umbrosa) (Creeping Speedwell)
This semi-evergreen perennial species has alternate, simple green leaves on creeping stems. Plants produce blue flowers that bloom in springtime. They are a great choice for rock or gravel gardens and alpine gardens. Cultivar 'Georgia Blue' is a popular variety.

Veronica perfoliata (Digger's Speedwell)
These plants typically grow at high elevations and are native to south-eastern Australia. They form low-growing plants with multiple stems that grow from a woody rootstock. Foliage is light blue-grey and plants produce sprays of striking violet-blue flowers towards the ends of arching branches.

Veronica persica (Birdeye Speedwell, Common Field-Speedwell, Persian Speedwell, Large Field Speedwell, Bird's Eye, Winter Speedwell)
These prostrate plants have naturalized in many areas of the world, and are native to Eurasia. The species forms an annual plant with broad, serrated leaves that form a nice groundcover over time. Flowers are sky-blue with darker striping and white centers. Plants reach 4-12 inches tall when mature and in bloom.

Veronica pinguifolia (Hebe pinguifolia) (Disk-Leaved Hebe, Thick-Leaved Speedwell)
This species is native to the South Island of New Zealand, and produces a low-growing bushy shrub with thick blue-green leaves with red edges. Stems are red. Flowers are white. Plants typically reach about 30 inches tall and eventually spread up to 4 feet wide.

Veronica regina-nivalis (Snowqueen, Snow Queen)
These plants are native to the Pacific coast, and typically grow in forests. They reach about 6 inches tall, and forms a rosette of basal foliage with hairy heart-shaped leaves. Flowers are pale blue, lavender, or white and bloom in the late wintertime.

Veronica repens (Corsican Speedwell, Creeping Speedwell)
This species grows well in zones 3-9 and 14-24 and is native to the Mediterranean, reaching a half inch tall and a foot wide (or more). Leaves are shiny and green and produces clusters of tiny lavender to white flowers in springtime. This species can tolerate some shade and needs little to moderate water. Variety 'Sunshine' has yellow-green foliage.

Veronica speciosa (Hebe speciosa) (New Zealand Hebe, Showy Hebe, Showy-Speedwell, Titirangi, Napuka)
These plants are native to New Zealand, and are grown as an ornamental around the world for their spikes of beautiful blooms. Flowers are pale pink to bright pink or magenta, and have protruding stamens. Cultivars include 'Alicia Amherst', 'Simon Deleaux', 'Andersonii', 'Blue Gem', and Waireka'.

Veronica stricta (Hebe stricta) (Koromiko)
These plants are native to New Zealand, and have long pale green leaves and tiny white flowers bloom in summertime. This species of Veronica reaches up to 6.5 to 8 feet tall when mature and in bloom, and has a spread of up to 5 feet wide. It has a fast growth rate and needs consistent pruning to maintain an attractive shape.

Veronica spicata (Spiked Speedwell)
Best in zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-21 and native to Europe and Asia. Forms a 1.5-2 foot wide clump with 2 foot tall flowering stems topped with spikes of bright blue flowers. Foliage is green and glossy. Will bloom over a long season if deadheaded regularly. This species needs regular water. Varieties are described below.

'Glory' ('Royal Candles')
Reaches 1 foot tall and has deep violet blooms.

'Icicle'
Reaches 15-18 inches tall and produces spikes of white flowers.

'Nana'
Reaches 6 inches tall and has violet-blue flowers.

'Red Fox' ('Rotfuchs')
This variety has rose-red blooms and reaches 15 inches tall.

'Tickled Pink'
Medium-pink flowers.

'Noah Williams'

Veronica spicata incana (Veronica incana) (Silver Speedwell)
This species grows well in zones A1-A3, 1-7 and 14-17 with furry, silvery whitish foliage. It blooms in summertime in deep violet-blue and needs little to moderate water. Individual plants reach up to between 12 and 24 inches tall with a spread of 9-12 inches wide.

Veronica vernicosa (Varnished Hebe)
These flowering plants are native to the South Island of New Zealand. Cultivar 'Mrs. Winter' is a choice garden ornamental. Plants in this species reach up to between 24 and 31 inches tall and just as wide at maturity.

Veronica umbrosa 'Georgia Blue'
Native to Georgia, this varietal grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-24; it forms a mat 6-8 inches tall and a few feet wide, Leaves are small and dark green and bronze in cooler weather. Flowers are cobalt with white eyes and bloom from summer through fall. Needs regular water for best performance and makes a great groundcover.

Caring for Veronica

Veronica, or Speedwell, plants do best when they are planted in full sun. Ideally, they should be getting between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for best blooms. They can tolerate partial shade, but will not bloom as profusely. In warmer climates, make sure that they get some afternoon shade when temperatures are at their peak (typically between 2 and 3 PM). They appreciate soil that is well-draining, moderately fertile, and that has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). They react very poorly to soggy soils; if local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Veronica plants are considered to be drought-resistant, though they will bloom better with regular waterings. They can get by for much of the year on rainwater alone, but will need some supplemental irrigations during extended periods of drought.

Every other year in springtime, fertilize with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders.. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. If you will be harvesting seeds for propagation later on, make sure to leave some seed heads on plants for collection. If foliage becomes straggly or is not looking great after being stressed, plants can be sheared and will bounce back with lush, new growth. Plants are killed by frost, and can be cut back within a few inches of the ground for the winter months. They will reappear in the following spring.

Harvesting Veronica Plants
Veronica is commonly grown as a member of cut flower gardens, and some species are also harvested for their edible plant parts. They are best harvested for their flowers in peak blooming season, which is typically in spring and summertime. The best time of the day to harvest Veronica cut flowers is in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day starts to creep in. Stems are ready for harvesting when about 1/3 of the flowers are open on a spike. Harvest the entire plant at this time, cutting it all the way back to the ground to encourage a vigorous regrowth and subsequent bloom. After harvesting, drop stems into a bucket of cool water. Veronica flowers have a vase life of 7-14 days.

Some species of Veronica are also harvested for their edible parts, which are used similarly to watercress. The best species for this purpose include American Speedwell (Veronica americana), Common Speedwell (Veronica officinalis), Thyme-Leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia), and Field Speedwell (Veronica persica). Leaves, young shoots, and even flowers are edible in these species. Foliage is said to be reminiscent of Watercress. Raw leaves and flowers are added to salads and used as garnish, the leaves can be cooked and added to soups and stews, and both leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a tea. Leaves are best used when young, and plants can be harvested whole or stem by stem. If you will be leaving your Veronica to continue growing as an ornamental, make sure to never remove more than 1/3 of the shrub at any time.

Propagation

Veronica, or Speedwell, can be propagated by division, cutting or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division or cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Speedwell, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Veronica by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Veronica by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
In early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 3-4 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Propagating Veronica by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.