Speedwell

Plant family

Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)

Also known as

Bird's Eye, Gypsyweed

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Seeding distance

30 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

0.5 cm

Instructions

Description

Speedwell, all-rounder, wound healing herb, veronica or grindheil is a genus of plants belonging to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). There are about 450 species, some of which are also found in Central Europe. Annual or perennial herbaceous plants that grow between 20-200 cm tall. Common speedwell/forest speedwell or quendel speedwell are also cultivated as medicinal plants. In fields, speedwell also occurs as a weed. Usually the flowers are white-blue and purple. Insect friendly. Good ground cover.

Growing tips

Light germinator. Very different growth habit and cultivation requirements depending on the species and variety. Generally fertilize once in spring. Cut off withered shoots. Water during dry periods. Cut back 1/3 in spring. Native varieties are hardy. Self-seeds. Can also be propagated by division. To do this, cut off 15 cm long shoots with buds and plant. The leaves and flowers can be harvested and eaten. However, the leaves are very bitter. Needs are species and cultivar dependent, due to differences in requirements and growth. Some good companion plants are weeping heart, gemroot, lungwort, elecampane, yarrow, daylilies, lady's mantle, perennial daisies, delphinium, golden yarrow, girl's eye, roses, and stonewort. Large species of speedwell should be supported and tethered.