Speedwell Veronica 'Pink Damask'
ABOUT
Veronica 'Pink Damask' presents itself with an eye-catching array of pink flowers that give it a lush, decorative quality. These blossoms are small but numerous, clustered along spiky stems that provide a sense of verticality and structure to its appearance. The shade of pink can range from a soft, pastel hue to a more vibrant tone, contributing to a rich visual texture when in full bloom. The foliage of 'Pink Damask' is also notable, with leaves that carry a deep green color, providing a striking contrast against the pink flowers. These leaves are typically lance-shaped, contributing to the plant's overall elegance and creating a dense background for the floral display. Together, the blooms and foliage create a tapestry of color and form that is characteristic of the 'Pink Damask'. The blossoms may also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's dynamic and interactive quality in a garden setting. 'Pink Damask', like other veronica varieties, has a growth habit that makes it suitable for use in various garden contexts, including borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover, depending on how it is maintained and allowed to spread. Its appearance shifts with the seasons, with peak flowering typically occurring in the warmer months, which can extend from late spring into early fall in many regions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pink Damask Speedwell, Pink Damask Veronica
Common names
Veronica 'Pink Damask'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Veronica 'Pink Damask' is generally not considered to be a toxic plant to humans. Ingesting parts of the Veronica 'Pink Damask' typically does not lead to serious poisoning symptoms. However, individual sensitivity can vary, and it is always good practice to avoid eating plants not specifically intended for consumption as they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Veronica 'Pink Damask' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is therefore unlikely to cause severe symptoms of poisoning if ingested by pets. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption of plant material could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea in some pets. It is always best to prevent pets from ingesting this or any ornamental plant to avoid any potential discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 10-12 inches (30-35 cm)
Spread
1 foot 10-12 inches (30-35 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: This plant draws in bees and butterflies, helping to pollinate gardens and support healthy ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Veronica 'Pink Damask' requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering season, typically providing color and interest from late spring to midsummer, and sometimes again in the fall.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, the plant can withstand periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a common issue for gardens.
- Landscape Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
- Colorful Foliage: Apart from its flowers, the plant also has attractive foliage that adds texture and visual interest to garden beds.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small size makes it suitable for container gardening and small garden spaces.
- Soil Adaptability: Veronica 'Pink Damask' is adaptable to a range of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Easy to Propagate: The plant can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: Veronica flowers are often used for creating pressed flower art due to their vibrant color and distinctive form.
- Educational Tool: The plant's life cycle can be observed and studied, making it an interesting subject for botanical education.
- Gastronomic Garnish: Though not a common edible, Veronica flowers can occasionally be used as a decorative garnish on dishes.
- Photography Subject: The striking pink blossoms make Veronica an attractive subject for photographers practicing macro photography.
- Dye Production: The pigments in Veronica flowers could potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles.
- Companion Planting: Veronica can attract beneficial insects, hence it can be planted along with vegetables to aid in pest control.
- Nature-Inspired Design: The form and color of Veronica can inspire designs in fashion, textile patterns, or even home decor.
- Literary Inspiration: The plant's beauty can provide inspiration for poetry, stories, or be used as a metaphor in literary works.
- Cultural Celebrations: In some cultures, Veronica flowers might be used in festivals and celebrations as symbols of peace or affection.
- Plant Collection: Veronica 'Pink Damask' is sometimes included in garden collections for its unique color variation and as an example of plant breeding success.
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, or Speedwell, is often associated with faithfulness and reliability in relationships, making it symbolic for steadfastness and trust.
- Healing: Historically, Veronica has been used to symbolize healing because of its medicinal properties, suggesting restoration and care.
- Clarity: With its clear, vibrant blooms, the Speedwell represents clarity of thought and vision, symbolizing clear and truthful communication.
- Endurance: Due to its hardy nature, the Speedwell embodies endurance and the ability to withstand difficulties, symbolizing perseverance and strength.
WaterSpeedwell should be watered deeply, allowing water to reach the root zone, about once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. During the growing season, in the absence of rainfall, provide about one to two inches of water per week. It is best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Over-watering or allowing the soil to remain soggy can harm the plant, as speedwell prefers well-drained soil. Adjust watering during the hot, dry periods by increasing frequency, and reduce watering as temperatures cool or during periods of rain.
LightSpeedwell thrives best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, locate the plant in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer blooms.
TemperatureSpeedwell enjoys moderate temperatures and can typically withstand a range between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's ideal for the plant to be grown in temperatures that sit comfortably between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are quite cold-hardy and can survive winter temps down to the low feet but should be protected from extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months.
PruningPrune speedwell to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote prolonged flowering. Cut back the foliage by one-third after the initial wave of flowering to refresh the plant and encourage a second bloom. The best time for heavy pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Speedwell (Veronica 'Pink Damask') should be well-draining, loamy, and enriched with organic matter. A suitable mix can be created with garden loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.8 to 7.0.
RepottingSpeedwell (Veronica 'Pink Damask') does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingSpeedwell (Veronica 'Pink Damask') tolerates a range of humidity levels but thrives best in average household humidity conditions; no special humidity requirements are necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleVeronica 'Pink Damask', commonly known as Speedwell, starts its life as a seed, which, under suitable temperature and moisture conditions, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. As it grows, it develops a root system and foliage through the vegetative stage, expanding its leaves to capture sunlight for photosynthesis. Following the vegetative stage, it enters the reproductive phase, characterized by the production of pink flower spikes that attract pollinators and facilitate cross-pollination. Once pollinated, the flowers will produce seeds that mature, completing the reproductive cycle. These seeds are eventually dispersed into the soil, ready to begin a new life cycle. The plant may also undergo a period of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy until the conditions are favorable again for growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Veronica 'Pink Damask', commonly known as Speedwell, is typically propagated during the spring or early summer to take advantage of its active growth phase. The most popular method of propagation for Speedwell is by division. To propagate by division, gardeners will carefully dig up an established clump of the plant once it has begun to grow vigorously. The clump is then gently pulled apart into smaller sections, making sure that each division has a fair amount of roots attached. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in a well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to encourage the plants to establish in their new locations. Within a few weeks, these new plants will start to grow and become fully established, carrying on the beauty and charm of the 'Pink Damask' Speedwell.
