Veronica Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 27th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Veronica plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Speedwell, Gypsyweed, & Bird's Eye: Cultivation & Garden Use

Plants belonging to the Veronica genus are hardy perennials and annuals that range from 10 cm to 1.2 m (4 to 48 inches) in height.

They bloom from summer to the start of autumn. when in bloom, and they carry spikes of small purple, blue, or white flowers.

Some of the common names for Veronica include Speedwell, Culver's root, Bird's eye, and Blackroot.

Speedwell has long been known to have medicinal purposes. The plant has been traditionally used for the treatment of coughs, skin eruptions, and to treat slow-healing wounds.

Veronica persica by T.Kiya.

How to Grow Veronica

If growing Speedwell outdoors from seed, then sow on the surface. Sow out either at the start of autumn or the start of spring.

The speedwell plants should be located in a sunny part of the garden. This should have good drainage and a soil that is not rich and of pH 5.5 to 7.0.

The spacing that you plant Veronica is dependent upon the species; grow small veronica plants at 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches), and larger Veronica varieties from 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart.

If you plan to first grow Veronica indoors, then start the process about 10 weeks in advance.

Seeds take from two weeks to three months to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 20 degrees centigrade (59 to 68°F). Transplant in autumn or before the last frost of spring.

Caring for Veronica

Veronica plants require the occasional feed. Taller varieties should be staked. Water plants regularly during dry spells.

It is important to deadhead old flowers to prolong blooming. If you require more plants then propagate Veronica by taking cuttings in the summer; or by division of the plant in the autumn.

Commonly Grown Veronica Species Photographs and Plant Identification

Veronica officinalis

Veronica officinalis (Common Speedwell / Heath Speedwell / Common Gypsyweed), photograph by Andreas Rockstein; CC.

Veronica peregrina

Veronica peregrina (American Speedwell / Thymeleaf Speedwell / Neckweed), picture by Andrey Zharkikh; CC.

Veronica Growing and Care Guide

• Common Names: Speedwell, Gypsyweed, Bird's eye, Culver's root, American brooklime, and Black root.
• Scientific Name: Veronica umbrosa; V. austriaca; V. americana; V. gentianoides; V. officinalis; V. prostrata.
• Life Cycle: Annual or Hardy Perennial.
• Height: 4 to 48 inches (10—120 cm). Recent classifications may even include some trees into the genus.
• Native: Europe, Americas, Asia, Australasia.
• Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.
• Flowers: Late spring through to early autumn.
• Flower Details: Purple, violet, lilac, blue, white, sometimes striped. Spiked racemes. Upright or creeping stems.
• Foliage: Herbaceous. Species dependent: Oval, elliptic to lanceolate. Mat-forming.
• Sow Outside: Seeds: Surface Before the last frost or in autumn.
• Sow Inside: Germination time: two weeks to three months. Temperature: 60 to 70°F (15—21°C). Nine to ten weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors before the last light frost or the last month of autumn. Space at 6 to 20 inches (15—50 cm).
• Requirements and care: Full sunlight; some species can tolerate partial shade. Average soil. Good drainage. Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH 5.5 to 7. Regular watering. Deadhead. Cut back to the ground in autumn. Propagate: by dividing after blooming has completed or from cuttings in the summer.
• Family: Plantaginaceae.
• Miscellaneous: Used by Native Americans as an herbal tincture to treat bronchial congestion. It was also used in Austria as an herbal medicine for the treatment of the cardiovascular system and nervous disorders. American brooklime (Veronica americana) is edible with a watercress-like flavor.
  Veronica species have been traditionally used in herbal teas in many cultures to treat Asthma, and problems with the nervous system, metabolism, the respiratory tract, and the cardiovascular system. Although a common lawn weed (treat with multiple applications of 8% Triclopyr to eradicate), it makes an excellent ground-cover.

Common Questions

How many members does the Veronica genus have?

The Veronica genus, often referred to as Speedwell, consists of approximately 500 species.

Do members of Veronica make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Veronica species are valued for their long bloom times and variety of forms. They're great for borders, ground cover, or rock gardens.

Which Veronica species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown species include Veronica spicata (Spiked Speedwell) and Veronica longifolia (Longleaf Speedwell).

Are members of the Veronica plant genus fragrant?

Most Veronica species are not known for their fragrance but are appreciated for their spires of small, clustered flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Veronica?

Veronica prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They're excellent for borders, ground cover, or rock gardens.

Is Veronica invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Veronica is not listed as invasive in the USA. Always refer to local regulations for accurate information.

How do I remove Veronica plants from my garden?

To remove Veronica, uproot the entire plant, ensuring all root material is removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

Veronica plants belong to the Plantaginaceae family. This genus includes about 500 species of annuals, perennials, and sub-shrubs native to temperate and subtropical regions.

Veronica plants prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring or by division in autumn. They are known for their spikes of small, tubular flowers.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Veronica plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Antirrhinum majus, Parsnips, Synthyris plant, and Digitalis plants.