Greater Speedwell
veronica montana
Also known as: ["Common Water Speedwell","Wood Speedwell"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with creeping stems and small, bright blue flowers, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Veronica |
| Botanical Name: | Veronica montana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded rockery
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, humusy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but thrives with dappled sunlight or bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct sun to avoid scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or north-facing indoor locations.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide filtered light; adjust placement based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging; adjust based on season and growth stage.
Soil
moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not waterlogged; enrich with organic matter annually; check pH periodically.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions in summer and protection from frost in winter.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.
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 hormone (if used).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean cuts just above leaf nodes.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead or diseased parts first.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water until drainage occurs; discard excess water from saucer.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, and leaf discoloration; frost can be lethal.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch; move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage before fertilizing; use diluted solution; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid 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 montana is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines following ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicVeronica montana is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines following ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicVeronica montana is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Veronica montana toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Veronica montana require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.
Q: How often should I water Veronica montana?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
