Veronica chamaedrys aka Germander Speedwell

Taxonomy

Veronica chamaedrys, also known as germander speedwell, bird's-eye speedwell, or cat's eyes, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the plantain family Plantaginaceae. This creeping plant roots at the nodes and features spires of bright blue flowers with white centers. The flowers, which are about 1cm across, have four lobes and bloom during spring and early summer. The flowering stems are characterized by two vertical lines of hairs. The leaves of Veronica chamaedrys are entire, pointed, hairy, toothed ovals. This stoloniferous perennial herb can be found in various habitats such as woods, hedge banks, grassland, rock outcrops, upland screes, road verges, railway banks, and waste ground. It can grow on most soil types except the most impoverished ones and has even been observed on anthills in chalk downland. The plant spreads vegetatively through prostrate stems that root at the nodes, although seed reproduction seems to be relatively rare. Its distribution ranges from sea level up to 750 meters, with an unlocalized record of 820 meters in the Scottish Highlands. Although Veronica chamaedrys has its uses, such as its medicinal properties, it can also be considered a weed. To get rid of this plant, one can use gel or ready-to-use spray weedkillers like Roundup Gel, Roundup Fast Action Ready-to-Use, SBM Job done General Purpose Weedkiller, or Doff Glyphosate Weedkiller Ready-to-Use. Applying the weedkiller on patches of speedwell and allowing it to take effect for three to four weeks before removing the dead foliage is recommended.

Common names

Germander Speedwell, Cat's Eyes, Bird's Eye Speedwell

How to care for Germander Speedwell

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Germander Speedwell is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Germander Speedwell should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Germander Speedwell loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Germander Speedwell thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Bird's Eye Speedwell.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Germander Speedwell is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Germander Speedwell’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, north and western Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia