Tall speedwell
veronica austriaca
Also known as: ["Austrian speedwell","Great speedwell"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with spikes of blue or white flowers, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Veronica |
| Botanical Name: | Veronica austriaca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or meadow setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile loam with added organic matter; suitable for average garden soil or container mixes.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adaptable to dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay mixes; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F) during active growth.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures during flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop feeding before winter dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not stressed.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; remove crossing or crowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; topdress with organic matter annually.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold; bud drop in temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; roots can suffer damage in poorly drained soil during freeze-thaw cycles.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; avoid overwatering before freezes; protect in containers by moving to sheltered locations.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf edges burn; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicVeronica austriaca is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxins that would cause harm to felines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicVeronica austriaca is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicVeronica austriaca, commonly known as Austrian speedwell, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Veronica austriaca attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Veronica austriaca toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How tall does Veronica austriaca grow?
A: It typically grows to 60–90 cm in height.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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