Speedwell Veronica 'Shirley Blue'
ABOUT
The Veronica 'Shirley Blue', also known simply as the Speedwell, is a delightfully charming perennial that adds vibrant color to any garden. Boasting spiky inflorescences, the plant is graced with an abundance of tiny, vibrant blue flowers that cluster densely on upright stems. These rich blue blossoms come to life against a background of lush, green foliage. The leaves of the Speedwell are narrow and elongate, with a slightly toothy edge, creating a textured appearance that complements its floral display. The foliage forms a dense mat, giving the plant a full-bodied look even when it's not in bloom. With its eye-catching blue flowers, the Veronica 'Shirley Blue' is favored by garden enthusiasts for its long flowering period and its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Exhibiting a tough and hardy nature, this Speedwell variety stands out in rock gardens, borders, and as groundcover, where its colorful presence and resilience are highly valued. The plant's dense floral spikes and verdant foliage contribute to its ornamental appeal, making it a picturesque addition to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Speedwell, Bird's Eye, Gypsyweed
Common names
Veronica spicata 'Shirley Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Veronica 'Shirley Blue', commonly known as speedwell, is generally considered safe and is not toxic to humans. There have been no significant reports of poisoning or adverse health effects associated with the plant when touched or ingested in normal quantities. Therefore, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause harm. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible.
To pets
Speedwell is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other animals if they happen to ingest small amounts of the plant. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from speedwell in pets, and it is not listed as a toxic plant by major animal welfare organizations. Nevertheless, pets eating large amounts of any non-food plants may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, so it's best to prevent excessive ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: The Veronica 'Shirley Blue', or Speedwell, features spikes of striking blue flowers that can add color and texture to garden landscapes.
- Attract pollinators: It can attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination of many other plants in the garden.
- Easy to grow: Speedwell is known for being hardy and adaptable, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it's relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering in the right conditions.
- Long blooming period: The plant has a long flowering season, often from late spring to early fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Garden versatility: Speedwell can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
- Low maintenance: It typically has few problems with pests and diseases, requiring little care beyond the basics.
- Complementing plant: Its color and structure can complement a wide range of other plants in a mixed border or floral arrangement.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Veronica 'Shirley Blue' can be used to create a natural blue dye for fabrics or paper arts.
- In floral arrangements: Fresh or dried Veronica flowers add delicate texture and color to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Garden border definition: The compact growth habit of Veronica 'Shirley Blue' makes it ideal for defining the edges of garden beds and pathways.
- Erosion control: This plant's dense foliage and root system can help prevent soil erosion on sloped areas of the garden.
- Culinary decoration: Though not commonly eaten, the flowers can be used as a decorative garnish for desserts and drinks.
- In art and crafts: Pressed Veronica flowers can be used in scrapbooking, card making, or other paper crafts for their vivid color and intricate detail.
- As a photography subject: The vibrant blue flowers and lush foliage make Veronica 'Shirley Blue' a popular plant for garden photographers.
- Ecology education: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the role of perennials in garden ecosystems.
- Potpourri: Dried Veronica flowers contribute color and a subtle fragrance to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Green roof planting: Suitable for green roofing, Veronica 'Shirley Blue' can add biodiversity and beauty to eco-friendly building designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSpeedwell is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySpeedwell is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fidelity: Veronica 'Shirley Blue', often referred to as Speedwell, is sometimes associated with fidelity and faithfulness, signifying trust in a relationship.
- Healing: Historically, Speedwell was used in herbal medicine, which translates into its symbolism as a plant that signifies healing and restoring health.
- Clarity: Speedwell's clear blue flowers can represent clarity and clear vision, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, symbolizing the ability to see situations with clear understanding.
- Peace: The serene appearance of the Speedwell's flowers is often associated with tranquility and peace, symbolizing a calming presence in one's life.
WaterSpeedwell 'Shirley Blue', commonly known as Spike Speedwell should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. For outdoor plants, this typically amounts to about one inch of water per week, which could be equivalent to a little over half a gallon per square foot. For potted plants, water slowly until you see excess water escaping through the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. In hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently, and during the winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce the watering frequency. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightSpike Speedwell thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area with clear exposure to the sun, though it can also tolerate partial shade. Keep in mind that in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureSpike Speedwell prefers a temperature range between 60°F to 70°F for optimal growth but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. To ensure good health and blooming, it's important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures that are outside of this range for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning Spike Speedwell is important for maintaining a neat appearance and promoting vigorous growth and better flowering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers, and prune back by one-third in late winter or early spring to help rejuvenate the plant. Major pruning should be done after flowering has ended, usually in the late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpeedwell 'Shirley Blue' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.8. A good soil mix for this plant would be equal parts of loam, sand, and peat to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Fertile soil enriched with organic matter will support healthy growth.
RepottingSpeedwell 'Shirley Blue' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil. Spring is the best time to repot this perennial for minimal stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingSpeedwell 'Shirley Blue' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typical of most home and garden environments. Excessive humidity can invite fungal diseases, so good air circulation is important.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Speedwell 'Shirley Blue' near a sunny window and ensure good ventilation.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny to part-shade spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleVeronica 'Shirley Blue', commonly known as Speedwell, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when soil temperatures warm. After germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a rosette of basal leaves. As the plant matures, it sends up flowering stems that exhibit small, intense blue flowers, attracting pollinators to aid in the reproductive cycle. Following pollination, the plant sets seed, which may disperse in the vicinity of the parent plant, allowing the life cycle to continue. Throughout the growing season, Speedwell is a perennial, so it will die back to the ground during the winter months, with the root system going dormant. The following spring, the plant will regrow from its rootstock, continuing its life cycle for multiple years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Veronica 'Shirley Blue', commonly known as speedwell, is most effectively propagated during the spring or early summer. The popular method of propagation for speedwell is by dividing the root clumps. To do this, you gently dig up an established plant and carefully separate the root clump into smaller sections, each with its own shoots and root system. It is important to replant the divisions swiftly into moist, well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing and to maintain consistent moisture until the new plants are well established. This method ensures the preservation of the plant's characteristics and provides an easy and quick way to create new plants that will bloom within the same growing season.
