Gentian speedwell 'Tissington White' Veronica gentianoides 'Tissington White'
ABOUT
'Tissington White' produces spires of white flowers veined and lightly flushed with purplish blue above rosettes of thick, lance-shaped leaves
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Gentian Speedwell, Tissington White Speedwell
Common names
Veronica gentianoides 'Tissington White'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Veronica gentianoides 'Tissington White', commonly known as gentian speedwell, produces beautiful white flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: The blooms attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations and contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in areas with lower water availability.
- Low Maintenance: Gentian speedwell is easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once it's settled in, which is ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Ground Cover: Its mat-forming habit makes it an excellent ground cover option, helping to suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is known to be deer resistant, preventing damage to gardens in areas where deer are a common issue.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: The delicate white flowers of the 'Tissington White' can serve as an elegant and serene backdrop for macro photography, providing a natural and unobtrusive background for close-ups of insects or other small subjects.
- Garden Themes: This plant can be used to create a white-themed garden area, complementing other white flowering plants to give a moon garden effect that glows in the twilight, creating a tranquil night-time space.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture programs may use this Veronica species to teach students about plant habit and characteristics, including flower morphology and plant growth patterns.
- Landscape Design: 'Tissington White' can be used in landscape architecture to create rhythm and repetition in garden designs, their consistent blooming and color aiding in creating a visually harmonious garden setting.
- Living Gifts: Small pots of 'Tissington White' can be given as living gifts, symbolizing purity and simplicity, and can be especially appropriate for events such as weddings or christenings.
- Artistic Inspiration: The plant can serve as inspiration for artists and creators, who may use the intricate details of its petals and leaves in designs, paintings, and other forms of art.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly eaten, the petals of the 'Tissington White' can be used as decorative, non-toxic garnishes for salads or desserts to add a unique visual element.
- Terrariums: Enthusiasts may use 'Tissington White' as part of a larger terrarium or fairy garden, where its modest size and attractive blooms can contribute to a miniature landscape.
- Ephemeral Art: The short-lived blossoms can be gathered and used in the creation of ephemeral art, such as mandalas or other natural arrangements, which are appreciated for their transient beauty.
- Creative Crafts: Dried flowers of 'Tissington White' may be used in crafts such as pressed flower projects, adding a delicate touch to bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Speedwell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Speedwell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fidelity - Veronica gentianoides, commonly known as Speedwell, often symbolizes fidelity, reflecting the plant's resilient nature and the steadfastness in relationships.
- Healing - Historically, Speedwell was used for medicinal purposes, hence it is often associated with healing and the soothing of emotional or physical wounds.
- Clarity - The vibrant blue flowers of some Veronica species bring to mind clear skies and calm waters, which can symbolically represent the desire for clarity and peace of mind.
- Protection - In folk beliefs, Speedwell was sometimes carried as an amulet to ward off serpents and other evils, symbolizing protection against harm.
- Persistent love - The plant’s persistent blooming is sometimes seen as a metaphor for enduring love that persists in the face of challenges.
WaterVeronica gentianoides, commonly known as Gentian Speedwell, should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, which generally means applying about an inch of water. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil type, but typically, it should be done weekly during dry spells. In periods of heavy rainfall, you might not need to water at all. Be cautious of overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. It's best to check the soil moisture before watering; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water.
LightGentian Speedwell thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. A spot that offers morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect, especially in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
TemperatureGentian Speedwell prefers a temperature range from about 60°F to 75°F. It can withstand short periods of colder weather down to 20°F and can survive summer highs up to 85°F. However, the optimal growth temperature is within that cooler range, avoiding extreme heat or frost.
PruningPruning Gentian Speedwell is essential to encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Trim or pinch back the tips of the stems in early spring to promote branching. After the first bloom, cut back by a third to encourage a second flush of flowers. The best time for pruning is after the main flowering period has ended.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpeedwell 'Tissington White' thrives best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7. The ideal soil mix should contain garden loam, compost, and sharp sand to improve drainage. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season helps to ensure robust growth.
RepottingSpeedwell 'Tissington White' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as a perennial border plant in the garden. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years in spring can refresh the soil and provide space for expanding roots.
Humidity & MistingSpeedwell 'Tissington White' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average garden settings. It does not have specific humidity needs and is adaptable to the ambient outdoor humidity in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot and plant in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleVeronica gentianoides 'Tissington White', commonly known as Gentian Speedwell, starts its life as a seed that germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is adequate. Seedlings grow into a rosette of green foliage at ground level, from which leafy flowering stems emerge, typically reaching their flowering peak in late spring to early summer. During this time, the plant displays its characteristic white flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. Once mature, these seeds are dispersed by wind, water, or animal movement. The plant is perennial, so after the flowering period ends, it enters a phase of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy in its root system to sprout anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Veronica gentianoides 'Tissington White', commonly known as Speedwell, is typically propagated by division. This method is best performed in either spring or early fall. To propagate Speedwell by division, you would first carefully lift the plant from the ground, ensuring you have as much of the root system intact as possible. After lifting, you can gently tease apart the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. These divisions can then be replanted in the garden, spaced approximately 9 to 12 inches (about 23 to 30 centimeters) apart, and watered thoroughly to encourage establishment. This method is popular as it helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may be woody or less vigorous, while simultaneously increasing the number of plants.
