Veronica filiformis
slender speedwell
A very low-growing, creeping perennial, with very fine stems up to 50cm long, rooting at the nodes and small, rounded leaves. Small, cup-shaped flowers with pale and bright blue petals appear from mid-spring to mid-summer. May have the potential to become a nuisance in some gardens if left unchecked
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Initially introduced as a rockery plant, but proved too invasive, especially on lawns, and is now considered a weed. See speedwell for further information and advice on how to control
Propagation
Rarely sets seed; spreads naturally by rooting fragments of stem and has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
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
Get involved
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