Austrian Speedwell Veronica austriaca 'Ionian Skies'
ABOUT
The Veronica austriaca 'Ionian Skies' is a captivating perennial plant known for its ornamental appeal and vibrant floral displays. Its beauty lies in the rich hues of its flower spikes and the lush foliage that forms a dense backdrop for the blooms. Each flower spike of 'Ionian Skies' is densely packed with tiny, star-shaped flowers that are a striking shade of sky blue, creating a soothing visual effect when they sway gently in the breeze. The blossoms are arrayed in elongated clusters that rise above the foliage, catching the eye of passersby and garden visitors. The foliage of 'Ionian Skies' is also noteworthy, comprising lance-shaped leaves that are deep green, providing a robust contrast to the blue color of the flowers. The leafy growth is typically lush and forms a low mound or mat, offering a textured appearance with its serrated or finely-toothed leaf margins. This ground-covering mat of green serves as a perfect foil for the upright floral spires that emerge during the blooming season. As the plant progresses through the growing season, the foliage remains an attractive feature even when the plant is not in flower. The blue blooms of 'Ionian Skies' are known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding dynamic life to the garden. Overall, the aesthetic appeal of 'Ionian Skies' lies in its striking contrast of blue blossoms against the green foliage, its clustered flower formation, and its ability to provide extended visual interest throughout its blooming period. It is a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of cool-toned color and a touch of natural beauty to their garden landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Austrian Speedwell, Ionian Skies Speedwell
Common names
Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium, Veronica teucrium.
ToxicityTo humans
Veronica austriaca, commonly known as Austrian speedwell or broadleaf speedwell, is generally not considered a toxic plant to humans. There are no common reports of poisoning or harmful effects after ingesting this plant. However, individuals can vary in their reactions to different plants, and it is always prudent to avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be safe and are prepared correctly.
To pets
Austrian speedwell is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There is no widespread documentation of pets being poisoned by ingesting this plant. As with humans, different animals can have different sensitivities, so it's always best to monitor pets and prevent them from eating plants that are not confirmed to be safe for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Veronica austriaca 'Ionian Skies' is an easy-to-care-for plant that doesn't require frequent attention, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this variety of Speedwell is resistant to drought, which is beneficial in regions with water scarcity or for gardeners who prefer water-wise gardening.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of 'Ionian Skies' are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright blue flowers and lush foliage, 'Ionian Skies' adds a splash of color and visual interest to garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Long Blooming: This plant has a long blooming period from late spring to early summer, providing a sustained display of flowers.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for a variety of garden settings including rock gardens, alpine settings, and as ground cover due to its mat-forming growth habit.
- Deer Resistant: 'Ionian Skies' is not a preferred food source for deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowers of Veronica can be used to create natural dyes, offering a range of colors depending on the mordants used in the dyeing process.
- Photography: With their striking blue color, Ionian Skies can be used as subjects for botanical photography or as background elements to enhance floral compositions.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the delicate forms and colors of Ionian Skies for botanical illustration or as inspiration in paintings, textile designs, and other art forms.
- Educational Tool: Ionian Skies can be used in schools and educational programs to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and horticultural practices.
- Floral Art: Fresh or dried, Ionian Skies can be incorporated into floral crowns, boutonnieres, corsages, and other wearable floral art pieces.
- Cooking Garnish: Though not commonly consumed, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Book Pressing: The flowers of Ionian Skies are suitable for pressing and can be used to create pressed flower bookmarks, cards, or other crafts.
- Perfumery: Although not a standard practice, the scent of Ionian Skies could potentially be used in creating subtle, floral fragrances for perfumes.
- Cultural Symbol: Ionian Skies could be grown in gardens or used in arrangements to commemorate cultural or national events where the color blue is significant.
- Table Decoration: When entertaining, sprigs of Ionian Skies can be placed on tables for simple, naturally themed table decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Austrian Speedwell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Austrian Speedwell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fidelity: The Veronica plant, commonly known as Speedwell, sometimes symbolizes fidelity and faithfulness in relationships, reflecting the plant's enduring nature.
- Healing: Historically, Veronica has been associated with healing due to its use in herbal medicine, especially its purported ability to speed up the recovery process, hence the name Speedwell.
- Protection: Some cultures believe Speedwell has protective qualities, possibly due to its hardiness and the old European belief that it could ward off serpents and other threats when carried.
- Clarity: Speedwell's clear, bright blue flowers are often thought to symbolize the clarity of thought or vision, encouraging clear communication and insight.
WaterThe Austrian Speedwell prefers consistent moisture, so water when the top inch of soil becomes dry, typically once a week. During hot, dry periods, this may increase to twice a week. Apply water directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, using about 1 gallon per plant each time. In cooler weather or periods of rainfall, reduce the watering frequency. Ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
LightAustrian Speedwell thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureAustrian Speedwell is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can survive brief periods as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. Protect the plant from extremely high temperatures and frost to maintain its health and flower production.
PruningTrimming back Austrian Speedwell after its initial blooming can encourage a second bloom period. Prune spent flowers and about one-third of the plant's height to stimulate new growth. Pruning is best done in early to mid-summer, after the first flowering fades.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAustrian Speedwell 'Ionian Skies' thrives in well-draining soil mixed with compost and perlite to facilitate drainage. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.8 to 7.
RepottingAustrian Speedwell 'Ionian Skies' typically requires repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingAustrian Speedwell 'Ionian Skies' tolerates average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Ionian Skies' in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant 'Ionian Skies' in sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleVeronica austriaca 'Ionian Skies', or Austrian Speedwell, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, in early spring, develops into a small seedling with fundamental roots and shoots. As the plant grows, it forms a low-growing rosette of foliage, characterized by narrow, oblong, and toothed leaves. By late spring to early summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing tall spires of sky-blue flowers, attracting pollinators and setting seeds for the next generation. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence in late summer to autumn, where it starts to die back, particularly in colder climates where it may be deciduous. Some parts of the plant may persist through winter, either as a semi-evergreen clump or in dormancy, depending on the harshness of the local climate. In spring, the cycle repeats as the plant emerges from dormancy or regrows from the base, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Veronica austriaca 'Ionian Skies', commonly known as Speedwell, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. This practice is typically carried out in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground with a spade, making sure to keep a substantial amount of roots intact. Then gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These clumps can then be immediately replanted in prepared soil, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. Division not only helps to propagate Speedwell but also invigorates older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous.
