Creeping Speedwell Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue'
ABOUT
Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue', commonly known as the Speedwell, features a distinctive appearance with its mat-forming growth habit that showcases a lush spread of foliage. The leaves are small, oblong, and toothed, showcasing a slightly serrated edge and presenting a rich green hue. During the blooming season, the Speedwell becomes particularly attractive with its profusion of flowers. These blossoms are a striking shade of blue, appearing in dense, erect racemes that rise just slightly above the foliage and blanket the plant in a sea of color. Each individual flower is small, tubular, and composed of four petals, which together create a captivating display that adds both texture and visual interest to gardens. The Speedwell is a perennial, meaning it can grace the landscape with its beauty year after year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Prostrate Speedwell, Creeping Speedwell
Common names
Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Veronica prostrata, commonly known as creeping speedwell, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting this plant typically should not result in any poisonous symptoms. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it is generally advisable to avoid eating plants that are not confirmed to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Creeping speedwell is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the toxic plants for animals such as dogs and cats. Thus, ingestion of this plant by pets is not expected to cause poisoning or serious health issues. However, ingestion of non-food items by pets can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or other individual reactions, so it is best to monitor your pet's health and consult with a vet if any concerning symptoms arise after consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are essential for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, it requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, making it a suitable option for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to reduce weed growth and soil erosion.
- Decorative Appeal: With its striking blue flowers and dense foliage, it adds aesthetic value to gardens, borders, and rockeries.
- Wildlife Friendly: By providing food and habitat, it helps support local wildlife ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue' can be grown and used as a subject for macro photography due to its detailed, intricately patterned flowers which can create stunning close-up shots.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the whimsical form and vivid blue hue of the flowers as inspiration for paintings, textiles, and other forms of artwork.
- Educational Model: Biology teachers might grow Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue' to demonstrate plant growth, reproduction, and the lifecycle of perennials to students.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue' can serve as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of traditional plastic confetti.
- Theme Gardens: The plant can be utilized in creating a "blue-themed" garden or part of a color-coordinated design in public and private gardens.
- Sleep aid: Creating small pouches filled with dried Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue' could provide a natural way to help relax and enhance one's sleeping environment without using its scents.
- Flower Arranging Classes: The plant can be incorporated into flower arranging curriculums to teach how to handle different textures and colors in a floral display.
- Garden Photography Workshops: This plant could be used in specialized workshops focusing on garden photography techniques, teaching students how to capture color and form.
- Bookshops and Libraries: Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue' can be displayed in bookshops and libraries to create a calm and welcoming environment for visitors.
- Living Art Installation: As part of an outdoor living art installation, the plant's creeping habit and blue flowers can be used for ground patterns or living sculptures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Speedwell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Speedwell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fidelity: Veronica, also known as Speedwell, is often associated with fidelity and loyalty in the language of flowers. The plant’s enduring nature and the way it spreads and remains steadfast in the garden is symbolic of steadfast love and unwavering affection.
- Healing: Historically, Veronica has been used for medicinal purposes, which gives it the symbolic meaning of healing and recovery. The healing properties attributed to the plant extend to the symbolic realm, offering comfort and hope for healing.
- Serenity: The cool blue tones of 'Spode Blue' can evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. The color and delicate form of the plant suggest peace and a soothing presence, making it a symbol of serenity in a garden space.
WaterSpeedwell 'Spode Blue' requires regular watering to maintain moist soil, particularly during the growing season in spring and summer. It is best to water thoroughly, allowing the water to reach deep into the root zone. Offer about 1 inch of water per week, but adjust based on weather conditions; during hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and during winter, only water if the soil is very dry to prevent root rot.
LightSpeedwell 'Spode Blue' thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to promote robust growth and ample flowering. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureSpeedwell 'Spode Blue' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. Protect the plant from extreme heat as temperatures consistently above 85°F may stress it.
PruningPrune Speedwell 'Spode Blue' to maintain bushiness and encourage denser growth; this is often done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to promote further flowering. A more substantial cutback can be performed after the main flowering period to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpeedwell 'Spode Blue' thrives best in well-drained soil with a mixture of loam and sand. This perennial prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral. A blend of two-thirds garden soil with one-third coarse sand or perlite is ideal for achieving good drainage. Adding organic matter like compost also encourages healthy growth.
RepottingSpeedwell 'Spode Blue' typically doesn't need frequent repotting as it is a hardy ground cover. Repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container is sufficient. Ensure proper drainage holes in the new pot and refresh the soil mix to provide nutrients.
Humidity & MistingSpeedwell 'Spode Blue' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and adapts well to outdoor conditions. While it doesn't require high humidity, maintaining average air moisture will support its lush growth. It is relatively adaptable and does not need specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleVeronica prostrata 'Spode Blue', commonly known as the Prostrate Speedwell, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in late spring after the last frost, requiring moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight to thrive. Seedlings emerge and develop into a mat-forming perennial, with stems that creep along the ground, rooting at the nodes and creating a dense carpet of foliage. Throughout late spring to early summer, the plant blooms with small, bright blue flowers, attracting pollinators and sometimes setting seed for future generations. After flowering, Prostrate Speedwell enters a period of vegetative growth, strengthening its root system and expanding its foliage coverage. As winter approaches, the plant becomes dormant, with the above-ground parts dying back while the roots remain viable beneath the soil surface. In the following spring, Prostrate Speedwell resumes growth from the rootstock, repeating the annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Veronica prostrata 'Spode Blue', commonly known as Speedwell, is a plant that is often propagated during the late spring or early summer. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division. This is done by gently lifting the plant from the soil, making sure to include the roots, and then carefully separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots. Once divided, the new sections can be immediately replanted into moist soil at the same depth they were originally growing. This helps to ensure that the new plants will establish quickly and begin to grow, continuing the spread of the Speedwell's beautiful blue flowers.
