Veronica persica
common field speedwell
An annual wildflower, with slightly hairy, sprawling stems and toothed leaves to 2cm long. All year round it produces small blue flowers singly from the leaf axils. It self-seeds freely and is often considered a weed species
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
| Winter | Blue | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Veronica can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs with paired leaves and small flowers usually in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus to N Iran
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any fertile soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or rooted stem sections
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus
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