If you're looking for a secret weapon to make your garden the envy of the neighborhood, look no further than the humble Speedwell plant. This little gem, often overlooked in favor of more showy flora, is a gardener's best friend. It's easy to grow, hardy, and adds a vibrant splash of color to any garden. But that's not all! The Speedwell plant is also a magnet for pollinators, helping to keep your garden buzzing with life. So, let's dive into the wonderful world of Speedwell plants, shall we?
What is a Speedwell Plant?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a moment to introduce our star: the Speedwell plant. Known scientifically as Veronica, Speedwell is a genus of about 500 species of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae. They are mostly native to the Northern Hemisphere, but can be found all over the world. The name 'Speedwell' comes from the old English phrase 'speed you well', as these plants were once thought to have medicinal properties.
Speedwell plants are perennial, meaning they come back year after year. They typically grow to be about 1 to 2 feet tall, and are covered in small, bright flowers that can be blue, purple, pink, or white. The leaves are usually dark green and lance-shaped, adding a nice contrast to the colorful blooms.
Why Choose Speedwell for Your Garden?
Now that we know what a Speedwell plant is, let's talk about why you should consider adding it to your garden. First and foremost, Speedwell plants are incredibly easy to grow. They're not picky about soil or sunlight, and they're resistant to most common garden pests. This makes them a great choice for beginner gardeners, or for those of us who don't have the greenest of thumbs.
Secondly, Speedwell plants are a fantastic way to add a pop of color to your garden. Their bright, cheerful flowers can liven up even the drabbest of landscapes. Plus, they bloom for a long time, usually from late spring to early fall, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy their beauty.
Lastly, Speedwell plants are excellent for attracting pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all love the sweet nectar of Speedwell flowers. By planting Speedwell, you'll be doing your part to support these important creatures.
How to Grow Speedwell
Convinced that Speedwell is the plant for you? Great! Let's talk about how to grow it. As we mentioned earlier, Speedwell is a pretty easy-going plant. It's not too fussy about its growing conditions, which makes it a great choice for all kinds of gardens.
Firstly, you'll want to choose a spot for your Speedwell. These plants like full sun to partial shade, so pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. They're not too picky about soil, but they do prefer well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, you might want to amend it with some compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Once you've chosen a spot, it's time to plant. Dig a hole that's about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your Speedwell plant. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly, and voila! You've planted your Speedwell.
After planting, Speedwell is pretty low-maintenance. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells, and apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage blooming. If you want to keep your Speedwell looking neat, you can trim it back after it's done blooming. This will also encourage it to produce more flowers.
Common Types of Speedwell
With over 500 species of Speedwell, there's a lot of variety to choose from. Here are a few popular types that you might consider for your garden:
- Creeping Speedwell (Veronica repens): This low-growing variety makes a great ground cover. It has small, blue flowers and glossy green leaves.
- Spike Speedwell (Veronica spicata): This variety has tall, upright flower spikes that can add height and drama to your garden. It comes in a range of colors, from white to deep purple.
- Woolly Speedwell (Veronica pectinata): This variety is known for its fuzzy, silver-green leaves. It has blue flowers and makes a great addition to rock gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Speedwell invasive?
Some types of Speedwell can be aggressive spreaders, but they're generally not considered invasive. However, it's always a good idea to check with your local extension service before planting anything new in your garden.
Is Speedwell deer resistant?
Yes, Speedwell is generally deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof, Speedwell is not a favorite snack of these garden pests.
Can Speedwell be grown in pots?
Absolutely! Speedwell makes a great container plant. Just make sure to choose a pot with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
So there you have it, the secret to a vibrant and lively garden: the Speedwell plant. Easy to grow, beautiful to look at, and a friend to pollinators, what's not to love? So why not give Speedwell a try? Your garden (and your neighborhood bees) will thank you!
