Speedwells are the largest genus in the Plantaginaceae family, which also includes foxgloves, snapdragons and plantains. The UK has over 20 species of speedwell. They can be difficult to tell apart, though some are rare and unlikely to be encountered. One of the most common species is germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), a perennial wildflower often found on roadsides, grasslands and wooded areas. It can be identified from leaves, stems and flowers, but not easily from flowers alone.
As well as being known as germander speedwell and common speedwell, it has folk names that refer to the flowers, such as bird’s-eye, angels’-eyes, bluewort, blue stars and cat’s-eye. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first use of the word “speedwell” is in 1578, by botanist and antiquary, Henry Lyte. It's thought that one of the plant’s favoured habitats along roadsides led to the belief that it would bring good luck to travellers.
There are three other speedwell species also commonly found in gardens. Thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) is the lowest-growing at around 10cm high, although stems can reach 30cm long. Annual ivy-leaved speedwell (Veronica hederifolia) has a broader, more lobed leaf, and grows in shady spots. Slender speedwell (Veronia filiformis) is a vigorous species, most often found in lawns.
Germander speedwell blooms from March to July, and has sky-blue flowers with white eyes. The four-petalled flowers grow on side shoots and are around 10mm across. Only one or two open at any one time. Veronica chamaedrys has pairs of rounded triangular leaves with blunt teeth. Two lines of fine hairs run down opposite sides of the reddish stem.
How to grow germander speedwell
For best results, grow germander speedwell in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. This wildflower has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM). It's ideal to grow in a meadow area, flower-rich lawn or as ground cover in a wildlife garden. Germander speedwell provides a source of nectar for solitary bees. It's also the food plant of the speedwell longhorn moth and one of the food plants of the rare heath fritillary butterfly.
How to care for germander speedwell
Once established, germander speedwell needs little attention. Propagate germander speedwell by seed or by dividing plants. Germander speedwell can spread, but doesn’t usually become a nuisance, and it adds to the biodiversity of your garden. If plants spread too far, they can be controlled by removing them from borders using a hand fork. Seedlings can be uprooted with a hoe, preferably on a hot day when they will wither on the surface of the soil. In lawns, individual plants can be dug out. Also, by increasing the height of the cut, the grass is more able to outcompete any speedwell.
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Advice on buying germander speedwell
- Make sure you plant it in an area where it won't outcompete less vigorous plants or grow into a lawn (unless you want it to)
- Always check plants for signs of pests or diseases before buying or planting
Where to buy germander speedwell seeds and plants
Frequently asked questions
What are the uses of germander speedwell?
Germander speedwell is a long-flowering plant which attracts a range of bee species, so it’s ideal for groundcover in a wildlife garden or planting under fruit bushes or taller perennials.
Is speedwell native to the UK?
Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) is native to the UK. It’s commonly found growing in the wild throughout Britain.
