Veronica gentianoides aka Gentian Speedwell

Veronica gentianoides is known as gentian speedwell. It is a herbaceous perennial: a plant with soft stems that lives for years. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It grows in regions with a temperate climate. Its native range includes Crimea, Türkiye, and northwestern Iran. The RHS also lists the Caucasus within its range. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Gardeners grow it for its low leaves and upright flowers.

The plant forms low rosettes, or clusters of leaves. These spread through creeping roots. Over time, they join to form a dense leafy mat. Plants reach about 1.5 feet [0.46 metres] tall and wide. The RHS gives an upper garden size of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Flower stems may reach 1.7 feet [0.51 metres]. The glossy green leaves range from oval to broad and lance-shaped. Basal leaves, at the plant's base, reach 0.25 feet [0.08 metres] long. Leaves die back in colder areas. They can stay on the plant in warm climates.

Upright stems bear pale blue flowers in loose terminal racemes. These flower clusters grow at the stem tips. They reach 0.7–0.8 feet [0.20–0.25 metres] long. Each bloom measures about 0.04–0.06 feet [0.013–0.019 metres] across. Plants bloom from late spring into early summer. Missouri Botanical Garden gives May to July as the bloom season. Removing faded flower spikes may bring more blooms. The RHS also suggests this to keep plants compact. It may help the plant bloom the next year.

Grow gentian speedwell in sun or part shade. It suits loam with fair fertility and good drainage. It can grow in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Keep soil moist, and add humus to help hold water. The sources differ on how well plants cope with drought. The RHS rates it as drought-resistant. Missouri Botanical Garden warns against dry soil. Both favour moist soil when growing this plant. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H7. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–7. Plants take two to five years to reach full size.

Use it at border fronts, along edges, or in rock gardens. Its spreading leaves suit ground cover and cottage gardens too. Divide plants in spring or autumn to make more. Missouri Botanical Garden says care is easy, with few serious problems. The RHS lists aphids as a possible pest. Diseases may include downy mildew, leaf spot, and fungal rots. Phytophthora and honey fungus may also occur.