Veronica austriaca aka Large Speedwell

Veronica austriaca belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial: a plant with soft stems that lives for years. Common names include Austrian speedwell and saw-leaved speedwell. Gardeners also call it Hungarian speedwell or large speedwell. It grows wild in Europe and parts of Asia. Its range includes Austria, which gives the species its name. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS lists Veronica prenja as another name for this plant.

This plant forms a small, dense mound. Its stems may stand upright or sprawl across the ground. Its listed garden height reaches about 3 feet [0.91 metres]. Its spread reaches about 2 feet [0.61 metres]. The stems bear green, oblong leaves with toothed edges. This mound suits the front of a garden border. Some stems spread outward rather than grow straight up. The plant's shape thus ranges from upright to sprawling. Its leaves form a base for the spring flowers.

Blue flowers grow in groups called axillary racemes, beside the leaves. The main bloom lasts from May to June. This puts the show in late spring and early summer. The showy flowers make up its main flower display. Cut the plant back after bloom to help new leaves grow. This trim may also bring a second, light show of flowers. These later blooms are sparse and uneven. They may appear from late summer into fall. Do not expect them to match the main spring flush.

Grow Austrian speedwell in full sun or part shade. It accepts average garden soil that drains well. In gardens, it needs a moderate amount of water. Avoid wet ground and soil that does not drain. Missouri Botanical Garden says it is easy to grow. It needs little care; trimming after bloom is optional. Its listed cold-hardiness range spans USDA zones 4 through 8. These needs suit rock gardens and the fronts of borders.

Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious problems with insects or disease. It also lists the plant as resistant to deer and rabbits. This trait adds value where these animals eat garden plants. Its modest spread suits sites near a border's edge. Rock gardens also offer space for its mound of leaves. Choose a site where water drains away well.