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Annual Biennial

Veronica arvensis

wall speedwell

An annual wildflower, with ascending stems branching at the base. Leaves are hairy, broadly oval to oblong, heart-shaped at the base and toothed at the edges. Slender flowering stems bear narrow leaves and small, stemless violet-blue flowers from spring to late summer

Other common names
spiked field speedwell
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Blue Green
Summer Purple Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

Thrives in a range of soils and situations, commonly found in disturbed soil in field margins and waste land. May have the potential to become a nuisance in garden settings if left unchecked. See speedwell for more information

Propagation

Propagate by seed; plants self-seed prolifically

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required. Roots are shallow, plants are easily removed by hand pulling

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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