Veronica longifolia aka Garden Speedwell

Taxonomy

Veronica longifolia, commonly known as garden speedwell or longleaf speedwell, is a compact, clump-forming perennial in the family Plantaginaceae. It reaches a height of around 50cm and features upright stems adorned with lance-shaped, toothed green leaves. From mid-summer to early autumn, this plant produces dense spikes of small white flowers. Native to Northern, Eastern, and Central Europe, garden speedwell thrives in well-draining soil and requires regular watering. It is considered a super rare houseplant that does well in long-lasting, direct light, preferably positioned within one foot of a window. Repotting is recommended each time the plant doubles in size, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.

Common names

Garden Speedwell, Long Leaved Speedwell, Longleaf Speedwell

How to care for Garden Speedwell

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Garden 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

Garden 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 Longleaf Speedwell.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Garden Speedwell has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Garden Speedwell’s native range is N. E. and C. Europe to S.W. Asia, Mongolia, Korea and N. China.


More info:
Wikipedia