Veronica views. Veronica: herbaceous plant for open ground. Speedwell Veronica peduncularis

Veronica belongs to the genus of flowering plants. The name comes from the Latin “Veronica” and translates as “real medicine”.

There are about 300 varieties of this plant. Widely distributed in Russia.

Delicate and unpretentious plants, in the photo you can see their lovely beauty, which will decorate any area.

Description of species and varietiesplants

Veronica has hybrid and non-hybrid varieties. Non-hybrid varieties - correspondence to the mother plant, hybrid - splitting of the offspring.

"BigVeronica"

A wild species that grows mainly in the European region of Russia.

It has cord-like and creeping roots. Single straight stems up to 3 in number, have a height of up to 70 cm.

The upward-pointing pedicels are equal in length to the bracts. The flowers are in four racemes.

In the final stage of flowering of “Big Veronica”, the shoots diverge to the sides of the central part and form a wreath shape in the bush of the plant.

Bright blue corolla up to 1 cm, pointed, broadly ovoid. The stamens are the same size as the corolla.

It is important to know:"Big Veronica" endures the winter without shelter.

The wide box has a shallow recess. A moisture-loving and sun-loving species, at the same time it is drought-resistant.

"ArmenianVeronica"

The birthplace of “Armenian Veronica” is Asia Minor. The plant is perennial, erect, with a height of 30 cm to 70 cm.

A drought-resistant and fragrant plant that blooms once. Bright and rich blue flowers, up to 1.5 cm in diameter.

Spike-shaped inflorescence up to 10 cm in length. Flowering begins in May and ends at the end of July.

Good to know:“Armenian Veronica” is in great demand among flower growers due to its unpretentious appearance.

Sessile leaves, pinnately dissected. Reproduction occurs by seeds and division of the rhizome. Grows on alkaline substrate, in black soil areas.

"AlpineVeronica"

Alpine perennial plant, up to 30 cm high. Distributed in Eurasia and prefers:

alpine meadows;
river banks;
rocky places;
pebble areas.

It has a cord-like creeping rhizome. The flowers are purple, from 3 to 20.

Capitate inflorescences smoothly turn into elongating ones, with stiff hairs. The obovate capsule is up to 8 mm, has a pubescent apex.

Elliptical, flat-shaped seeds up to 1 mm. Ascending stems with small thin shoots. The leaves are oblong-elliptical, up to 3 cm, and have a pointed shape.

"AustrianVeronica"

A perennial plant, it is widespread in the Caucasus and Crimea. Flowering begins in mid-spring and continues until the end of July.

The height of the erect, sparsely hairy stems reaches 60 cm. The calyx consists of 4 lobes. The diameter of the blue corolla is up to 10 mm.

Round capsule with pubescent top. Shield-shaped seeds are up to 2 mm wide. "Austrian Speedwell" is used in artificial mountain landscapes.

"KoloskovayaVeronica"

A perennial drought-resistant species, up to 50 cm in height. Sun-loving, can grow in the shade, in a garden plot with loose soil. Petiolate oblong leaves.

"Spike Veronica" grows in shallow water, up to 20 cm.

Flowering of "Spikelet Veronica" begins in early June and lasts almost a month. The color of the flowers depends on the variety:

blue;
pink;
violet;
white.

Hybrid Veronica "Blue Plume" is a hybrid of "Spike Veronica" and "Longleaf Veronica".

"GentianVeronica"

Light-loving perennial species, does not tolerate shady areas. It is drought-resistant, but at the same time a moisture-loving plant.

In winter, it does without shelter. Basal rosette of leaves up to 20 cm long.

Flowering lasts up to 3 weeks, starting at the end of May. Peduncles are up to 70 cm high. Bright leaves with a white edge.

Note:"Gentian Veronica" has a dwarf variety "Nana", no more than 15 cm high, with a peduncle of 20 cm.

Plants of "Gentian Veronica" easily take root in pieces with a peduncle. Cultivation occurs in any area. Vegetative propagation occurs by sections of the root system.

Ground cover plants

"Thread-likeVeronica"

Perennial and annual unpretentious plant. Branched long stems with spreading branches.

Creeping shoots of “Threaded Veronica” have the ability to instantly take root and spread over a wide area.

Round, sparsely hairy leaves, slightly obtuse at the apex. The thin peduncle has one flower.

The combination of corolla colors is blue and white. Bilobed convex capsule - width 5 mm.

The nest contains up to 10 oblong, flat seeds. Grow " Threaded Veronica» for use in landscape design.

"ProstrateVeronica"

The name of the species comes from the Latin “prostrata” - “creeping”.

Numerous grayish stems are evenly pubescent. The brushes are located in the axils of ordinary leaves.

Widely obovate capsule. Round, yellowish seeds up to 1 mm. The range extends across the regions of our country:

European part;
Western Siberia;
Ciscaucasia.

Stretched Veronica forms a compacted massive “carpet”, 15 cm high.

Propagated by seeds, which are sown in late autumn or early spring. Flowering occurs after 2 years. “Prostrate Veronica” is listed in the Red Book of the Moscow Region as an ornamental plant grown in Moscow botanical gardens.

"PeduncleVeronica"

« Pedicel Veronica" is different from the previous ones Groundcover Veronica blue flowers.

Has early flowering, from the beginning of May. Well-creeping stems make their way over rocky terrain. Frost-resistant plant variety.

"Veronicastrum" - refers to perennial flowering plants Veronica's family Species of this plant are used as ornamental, for open ground.

Varieties of "Veronicastrum" are very much appreciated in the conditions of growing natural gardens, as they do not require daily movement.

The variety "Veronicastrum Virginis" has an amazing bluish color of leaves and lilac inflorescences with a pink tint.

Take note: variety "Veronicastrum Siberian" can withstand frosts down to - 34 °C.

The amazing Veronica plant will add originality and beauty to any area. Easy to care for, it will delight many flower lovers with its unforgettable, fragrant aroma.

How to plant a Veronica flower in your garden, watch the advice of an experienced gardener in the following video:

If you are looking for an unpretentious and ornamental plant For flower beds, shady places in the garden, where more popular flowers do not grow, it makes sense to turn your attention to speedwell.

Veronica is the largest genus in the Podorozhnikov family in terms of the number of species. It includes about 400 species. Among them are herbs and shrubs, with creeping or straight stems, leaves of various shapes, depending on the species, and small flowers. In some species they are located in a panicle, in others - in a spike, and can also be collected in inflorescences. The most common perennial species of Veronica are found. It grows in wild conditions in temperate climates and is also grown by gardeners.

Interestingly, people sometimes call Veronica “European tea” or “snake grass.”

Veronica 'Foxy Lady'

Veronica is used both in landscape decoration and for medicinal purposes. As an element of outdoor decor, as a companion to more catchy flowers, the plant looks elegant in flower beds, gardens and front gardens. It prefers a temperate climate and grows freely in mountainous areas. Also known are species of Veronica honey plants.

How medicinal plant used in Russian folk medicine. A decoction of it is often used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Some species are used as a seasoning, eaten by humans and animals, and also to flavor cognacs, liqueurs and wines. Among the species of Veronica, a wide variety of representatives are known. The most common species are Veronica Armenian, thread-like, cup-shaped, creeping, gray, longleaf, medicinal, oak and fake.

The most common types of speedwell

Veronica Medicinal has a stem of about 30 cm, its flowers are collected in racemes, and the fruits have the form of boxes containing many seeds. Bloom Veronica officinalis lasts from early summer to autumn. It is used in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases, stomach ulcers, various skin diseases, asthma, rheumatism, insomnia and many other ailments. Tops Veronica officinalis cut at the beginning of flowering and dried. A dried plant will not lose its beneficial features within 2 years. Decoctions are prepared from it, compresses, baths and lotions are made.

Veronica Sedaya has a simple or weakly branched stem and reaches a height of up to half a meter. It got its name from the color of the stem and leaves: they are grayish or white, less often green. The leaves are found both ovate and oblong, and the flowers are blue or white. In nature it grows in rocky areas and is unpretentious in care when grown artificially. It also has a number of medicinal properties. Leaves, flowers and stems are dried and an infusion is prepared from them. The range of applications is very wide: from stimulating appetite to treating cardiovascular diseases.

Veronica Unreal has stems up to a meter high, flowers blue, blue, sometimes Pink colour collected in brushes. In nature, it is often found in oak forests and dry meadows. Blooms from June to August. It is used both for decoration and medicinal purposes. The infusion helps with heart ailments, dermatoses, snake bites and sore throat.

Veronica Kustyaschaya prefers rocky soil, on which it forms cushion-shaped thickets. Its flowers are collected in racemes and have a sky-blue tint; pink ones are less common. It does not tolerate overheating well and is generally quite whimsical, which is not typical for Veronica species in general. However, flower growers are quite successful in planting this species on terraces.

Veronica creeping . Its stem reaches a height of up to 40 cm. In accordance with the name, the stems spread along the ground. It has soft blue, white or pink small flowers. It quickly spreads like a dense cushion over the surface.

Interestingly, in the places where it grows, the soil structure improves.

It is resistant to trampling, so it is often used on lawns and gardens as a soft and pleasant covering.

Veronica Longleaf – it is a forest herbaceous plant . It has a simple tall stem with small blue flowers located closer to the top. Just like many types of veronica, it is used in medicine. Herbal infusion helps with colds, shortness of breath, headaches, and in washing wounds. This plant is also used in the feed of large farm animals. This type of speedwell is also an excellent honey plant.

Veronica Dubravnaya prefers forests and small clearings as its habitat. Also perennial tall plant with dense pubescence and small frequent flowers. Flowering lasts until early July. Veronica Dubravnaya is used in landscape design for decoration.

Veronica Melkaya a very beautiful and unique perennial, common in the Caucasus. It is interesting that the seeds of these plants are transferred only with the help of animals (for example, flies, etc.). It has thread-like stems densely covered with leaves. The flowers are blue with white splashes. This fragrant plant blooms in mid-summer in its usual environment and blooms 2 weeks earlier when grown in other climates. This type of speedwell is quite demanding in reproduction and care. It reproduces only by dividing rhizomes and requires planting in well-lit areas, moderate humidity and nutritious soil.

Veronica Armenian. Asia Minor is considered its homeland. Its stems, woody at the base, have short pubescence and reach 10 cm. This species is more resistant to drought than others. This plant does not have any pronounced medicinal properties, but is widely used by gardeners for decorating areas.

Growing Veronica

When growing Veronica, you should know that it is unpretentious: it grows equally well on any type of soil, both in the shade and in sunny areas, both with regular watering and in dry times. Perennial species tolerate even the coldest winter well.

There are three ways to grow Veronica: from seeds, by cuttings or dividing the rhizome.

The latter is the most popular and takes the least time. When propagated in this way in early spring or in the fall, gardeners divide the rhizomes of Veronica and plant it in open ground, building a small greenhouse. Veronica's seeds ripen in September; they can be sown in spring or autumn in open ground, but it is better to sow them as seedlings. When cuttings, the tops of young shoots are used.

Flowering begins in May and lasts in some species until the end of summer. In the photo below are some highly decorative varieties of alpine speedwell and longfolia (long-leaved).

Veronica longifolio ‘Candied Candles’

Veronica longifolia ‘Eveline’

Veronica alpine ‘Goodness Grows’

Care

Veronica is not capricious, is resistant to pests and diseases and requires almost no care. It is only necessary to occasionally fertilize the soil and remove dead parts of the plant so as not to spoil its attractiveness or provoke disease. As mentioned earlier, the place where the plant is planted does not matter: it loves light, but also grows well in the shade.

Only the saturation of the colors will depend on the place where it is planted: bright ones in the shade, paler ones in the sun. Some species spread very quickly and easily, which can even become a problem for gardeners. Veronica tolerates close proximity to other plants quite easily.

Veronica in landscape design

Veronica is known for its medicinal properties used in folk medicine, but it is also used in decorating gardens, paths and flower beds.

Veronica spicata ‘Incana’

The variety of shapes and colors of this plant allows gardeners to use it in a wide variety of landscape decoration options.

As a companion, Veronica makes a beautiful visual combination with tulips and other bright flowers.

Veronica spicata Royal Candles

As a cover plant, Veronica can be planted in the garden under fruit trees, it will create a soft colorful cover and prevent ripe fruits from hitting the ground. Veronica can also look good in a flowerpot as a single plant.

Not only beauty, but also benefits

Learn more about the medicinal properties of the plant in the video.

Veronicastrum is a plant of the plantain family, which is actively used in landscape design. Its interesting flowering enlivens and transforms even the most abandoned and shady corners of wild gardens.

Botanical description

This is a perennial plant of herbaceous type, which on average reaches a height of 130 cm. The rhizome goes deep into the ground and becomes woody over time. The leaves are lancet-shaped and palm-shaped.

The inflorescence has the shape of a panicle and reaches up to 15 cm in length. It consists of many small flowers of white, lilac or pink shades, it depends on the type of flower. Blooms in summer from mid-June to late August.

Popular types of herbaceous plants

Landscape designers have chosen several of the brightest varieties with the most beautiful flowers. They fit very harmoniously into a single style with miscanthus, asters, echinacea and landscape varieties of large grasses such as molinia, reed grass, etc. These popular veronicastrum varieties are:

An upright plant, up to 1.3 m in height. Blooms for more than 1 month. The color of the inflorescence is creamy pink. Retains a captivating appearance both during and after flowering. Both single-planted and group-planted specimens look impressive.

Did you know? In different sources, speedwell is classified either in the Norica family or in the plantain family. Botany News for 2016 reports that speedwell and veronicastrum have finally been assigned to the plantain family.

IN Posea variety obvious advantages are the height of the plants up to 1.6-1.7 m, this is the tallest representative of the family, and the very delicate pink shade of the flowers.

A low growing plant with beautiful white flowers. The length of the inflorescence can reach up to 20 cm. It is popular among landscapers for creating accents in the overall design solution. Attracts insects, especially butterflies. The plant is frost-resistant and unpretentious to the soil.
Variety "Alba"

Did you know? Taxonomists have long wanted to define Veronica and Veronicastrum as a separate genus. They are united only by the types and colors of inflorescences. And the most significant difference-height. Delicate speedwell does not correlate in any way with the giant veronicastrum, which by the time of flowering can reach 2-2.5 meters in height.

In height variety "Fascination" gains up to one and a half meters. But it differs in the lavender color of the inflorescence with a creamy pink tint. As well as a reddish tint of the leaf blade, which looks especially attractive in plant design. But gardeners call the Siberian and Virginia veronicastrum the most common varieties.

This type of plant grows up to 1.8 m. It has a strong stem without branches. Floor arrangement of leaves. Blooms with spike-shaped inflorescences of blue color, which can reach up to 30 cm in length. Can be placed both in the sun and in the shade.

A distinctive feature of this type is that it is not susceptible to disease. It is revered by insects and pollinators. It takes a little longer to reach the required parameters, you will have to wait a little, but another advantage is that it is unpretentious in care and soil. And one more “bonus” plus - even after the plant has flowered, you don’t have to cut off the spikelet, it looks nice even in a “pigtail”.

It reaches a height of up to one and a half meters. The color depends on the variety, the height of the inflorescence is up to 30 cm. The leaves are located along the entire stem. Has a strong root system.

Did you know? Uniqueness of the variety« Fascination» the fact that its inflorescences grow together into one, this phenomenon is called fasciation. In principle, this is where the name of this variety comes from. The resulting spikelet is uneven, curved, with a jagged edge of a pleasant purple color - it looks very impressive and exotic.

The plant is resistant to low temperatures and does not require special preparation for wintering. The stem is branched. It is recommended to plant only in places with free access to natural light, because without it the stem develops weaker. It is also very resistant to various diseases and pests.

Application in landscape design

Veronica is a perennial plant with a strong root system. It is frost-resistant and blooms beautifully. To prepare for winter you just need to prune and prepare the soil using mulching. It can withstand the competition of growing plants used in landscape design.

Different varieties easily tolerate both excess and lack of moisture. It grows in columns, but the stem is quite resistant to gusts of wind. Does not require support or garter. Its spikelet inflorescences have very beautiful natural shades and smell pleasant, always attracting a huge variety of insects.

Veronicastrum looks good in tandem with roses, cereals, lavender, and phlox. Moreover, perennials are combined with annuals, and this is another marker that the composition of your garden is not old-fashioned.

Planting and care at home

The plant is popular because it propagates well and easily and does not require daily care in the garden. The planting site is chosen depending on the variety: either partial shade or open to sunlight. Veronica loves mineral supplements, but do not overuse them. Three times a season is enough.

Selecting a location

Despite the fact that the plant is unpretentious, there are several nuances that should be taken into account when planting:

It is advisable to plant in loose soil, it is a good idea to fertilize it with peat first - the plant loves fertile soil.
It is advisable to choose sunny places.
To prevent large changes in soil moisture, you can mulch it with mowed grass, sawdust, pine needles or straw.
Preparing for winter: pruning and mulching the soil.

Soil and fertilizing

An overabundance of her favorite mineral fertilizer can lead to the stem becoming thinner and brittle, less resistant to external factors. This may also affect the intensity of flowering. Therefore, it is better to carry out the first feeding before planting, and then as needed.

Important!During intense rainfall, the plant can bend greatly under the weight of wet inflorescences, foliage, etc. It is necessary to raise the bushes and strengthen them on supports; within a few days they will rise again to their former formation.

Humidity and watering

The plant can easily tolerate both excess and lack of moisture. In order to maintain balance, it is worth using the mulching method that we discussed above.

Reproduction

The easiest and most convenient method of propagation is cuttings and dividing the bush. The bush tolerates these operations very easily, very quickly takes root in the new hole and blooms in the third year. The most optimal time is early spring or late autumn. During flowering, the plant is not propagated.

Dividing the bush

If the bush needs to be transported, then the rhizome with well-watered soil is packaged in cellophane and transported to a new place.

The reproduction process itself goes like this:

the soil under the plant is well filled with water;
the root system is removed and divided into parts;
depending on the age of the source bush, its rhizome may be woody, so an ax may be needed to divide it;
a living shoot of the stem is preserved in each part;
landing in the ground should be carried out as soon as possible.

Cuttings

This method is carried out only in the spring, since the planted cuttings must strengthen in the soil:

soil preparation is required: loosening, peat, organic matter;
cut cuttings can be immediately planted in prepared holes, or they can be kept in water until roots appear;
After planting in a permanent place for winter, we mulch the soil in the root zone.

Seeds

Propagation by seeds is also logical to carry out only in the spring. For seedlings, special soil with maximum fertility is prepared.

Charming and delicate flowers of Veronica can decorate any flowerbed or garden and enhance an orchard. The many shades of its petals range from sky blue to deep blue. Veronica is a plant that does not require much effort and time to grow. Almost all garden forms are natural views, very resistant to cold and with good survival rates. So why not try them on your site?

Rod Veronica: description

This genus is the most numerous (about 500 species) among the Plantain family. It includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants, less often subshrubs, which are common in all parts of the world, but mainly in temperate and cold regions of Eurasia. Representatives of the genus are widespread throughout our country.

Any speedwell is a plant (photo attached) with characteristic generic characteristics. The first of them are small flowers with two stamens, which are collected in paniculate, spike-shaped or umbellate inflorescences (sessile or on a long peduncle). The second is thick rhizomes, shortened or branched, or many thin roots. Among the numerous representatives there are excellent honey plants, medicinal plants, as well as decorative. It is the latter that we will pay more attention to.

It should be noted that Veronica is a plant, although it does not have outstanding external characteristics, but beautiful in its simplicity. Small flowers can rise above the flower bed, gathered into a slender spike, or almost spread like a soft “cushion”, braiding everything around. We invite you to learn about the main types of speedwell introduced into culture.

Veronica Armenian

A low plant (7-10 cm) of bright green color, forming a dense and dense turf. Stems ascending or recumbent, woody at the base. Leaves 08-1.2 cm long, pinnately dissected at the base into thin and curling lobes, are also decorative. The corolla of the flower is pale blue or lilac-tinged with a rich aroma. A pink variety has been developed. Armenian speedwell is a very drought-resistant, unpretentious plant, which is why it is popular among flower growers when decorating lawns, alpine hills, and terraces. Flowering begins in mid-summer. The species is very sensitive to soil. Only rocky substrates with an alkaline environment are acceptable and not big amount river sand or fertilized clay.

Speedwell of Austria

A perennial plant with tall, erect stems from 30 to 70 cm, small leaves and star-shaped bright blue flowers collected in racemes. Flowering is long-lasting, starting in May-June. Drought-resistant, decorative, widely used for decorating rock gardens, rockeries, in group and single plantings. The natural habitat is steppes and forest-steppes, mountain meadows and rocky hills. Prefers well-drained, sandy soil.

Veronica is big

A species widespread in the natural environment: the entire European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, the Mediterranean, middle Asia. Grows in sparse forest stands, meadows and fields. This speedwell is a plant (photo above) with an impressive garden history. It has been introduced into culture since 1596. The species is characterized by the formation of dense bushes, from which peduncles emerge on a long stem (up to 30 cm) with stars of blue flowers of varying degrees of saturation. A very unpretentious plant, characterized by high winter hardiness (does not require shelter) and drought resistance. Grows well in any garden soil, prefers sunny places and is moisture-loving. It is used in group and single plantings; it is suitable for cutting into bouquets. Various varieties have been bred, differing in bush size, color, and leaf color. In particular, True Blue is a tall speedwell (blue). The plant (photo attached) has inflorescences up to 10 cm long, the flowering period is a month, from the end of May. The unusual variety Miffy Blue grows into a spectacular bush with variegated decorative leaves and large pale blue inflorescences.

Veronica gentian

In its natural environment it grows in the southern and middle regions of the European part of Russia, the Caucasus and Crimea, and Asia Minor. This is a herbaceous plant that forms beautiful cushion-shaped bushes up to 45 cm high. The leaves are collected in a rosette, dark green, leathery. Inflorescence on a high shoot (30-70 cm), loose, multi-flowered. The color of the corolla is pale blue, often towards a white tone with clear blue veins. The flowers are large, reaching 1 cm in diameter. Flowering begins in June and continues for a month, but the bush retains its decorative effect until frost. Gentian speedwell is a plant introduced into horticultural culture since 1784, during which time many varieties have been developed. Among them are Variegata with leaves edged with a white stripe, Tissington White with almost white flowers, etc. Veronica is absolutely unpretentious, moisture-loving, but drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, but prefers well-lit places; shelter for the winter is not required.

Veronica Koloskovaya

One of the most decorative species with a large number of bred varieties. Plant up to 40 cm in height with few single stems. Particularly beautiful are the apical racemose dense inflorescences of rich blue, cyan, violet, and less often white. The species has been introduced into culture since 1570. Flowering lasts from mid-summer, produces many seeds, and reproduces well by self-sowing. Any garden soil is suitable for growing it. Spike speedwell is a winter-hardy, drought-resistant, light- and moisture-loving plant. Looks especially good in single plantings. Examples of varieties: Romiley Purple (rich purple), Barcarolle (pink), Heidekind (raspberry pink), Rotfishs (cream), White Icicle (white, pictured).

Veronica petty

Highly decorative, demanding on growing conditions. It is subendemic and grows in nature only on volcanic soils. Forms dense cushions with dark green leaves, completely strewn with small blue flowers pure color and with a delicate aroma. In garden conditions, propagation is possible only by dividing the rhizome. Veronica small requires nutritious soil, but in the complete absence of organic matter, constant moderate moisture and good lighting(sunny places).

Veronica officinalis plant

This type has several advantages at once - decorativeness and benefits. The plant is perennial, with creeping stems that take root at the nodes. It grows quickly - up to 20 cm per season, so it can be used as a ground cover. The flowers are collected in small clusters, pale lilac in color. Flowering lasts from June to September. Mainly used as an ornamental foliage plant. Resistant to trampling, drought, frost, shade-tolerant, competitive. The high degree of growth should be taken into account when choosing a planting site. In folk medicine, Veronica officinalis is used mainly as an expectorant for bronchial asthma and bronchitis in the form of infusions, decoctions, and tea.

Features of cultivation

Veronica is a plant (description above), or rather a whole genus with numerous representatives, with an unpretentious character. The only exceptions are a few varieties. Care is absolutely simple. The plant is undemanding to soil, light, and proximity to other species. If you decide to grow it in your flower beds, then you should pay attention to several main points.

When preparing the substrate for planting, pay attention to the variety that you are planting, and depending on this, supplement it with the necessary components, for example, for hairy and gravelly - crushed stone.
A high degree of drought tolerance does not mean that there is no need to water. On the contrary, most species prefer moderate moisture.
Cut off faded inflorescences, this way you will preserve the decorative appearance of the bush longer and, perhaps, achieve repeated flowering.

Perhaps many people have come across this flower in a meadow or forest clearing. Veronica plant is quite cute, has inflorescences of bluish or blue shades. Due to the fact that certain species are often found in nature, they cannot be found in garden plots.

Characteristics and description of the Veronica plant

It is considered a fairly famous plant, varieties of which can be seen in different parts of the world. This is explained by its unpretentiousness and its resistance to dry periods, which makes it possible to survive in many climatic zones.

Perennial plant Veronica

The flower does not make any special demands on the soil composition; it feels equally comfortable on sand, clay and even swamp soil. At first, the plant was considered an adornment of mountains and forests; a little later it began to be used as decorative flowers.

As soon as Veronica became a cultivated plant, it was taken as the basis for breeding new varieties used in gardening. Mankind has known the flower for a long time, as it is considered a plant with medicinal properties.

Most beautiful view flower – Veronica Bolshaya. This is a perennial that forms thick shoots, the height of which reaches fifty and sometimes seventy centimeters. On them are placed opposite leaves, their jagged shapes reminiscent of testicles.

Veronica Big

The sparsely planted plant forms darkish bushes with its shoots that resemble domes. With the end of spring and until the very middle summer season the top of such a bush is painted bright blue. It's blossoming a large number of flowers whose diameter does not exceed one and a half centimeters. Because of the beautiful appearance of the inflorescences, it is often called Royal Veronica.

The most famous varieties

From the huge number of popular flower species, the following plants can be distinguished:

Medicinal

Veronica Medicinal

It grows in wooded areas. Distinctive features are low-growing stems that spread like a carpet.. They have pale green leaves and purple inflorescences.

Branched

Veronica Vetvistaya

The main habitat is mountainous areas. Looks like low thickets covered with inflorescences of blue and pink shades. This variety is demanding in terms of care. It is difficult to tolerate drought and can freeze in winter.

Dubravnaya

Veronica Dubravnaya

It is found in Siberia, the Caucasus Mountains, and European countries. A low-growing perennial plant that produces serrated leaves that remain green during the winter season.. Veronica oakberry blooms in blue, blue and even pink shades.

Small

Veronica Melkaya

The look is quite unique. His features– short stature, small leaves, inflorescences of lilac and blue shades. This variety is quite whimsical; only experienced gardeners are engaged in its cultivation;

Woody

Veronica Woody

Low growing perennial. Forms creeping stems covered with numerous foliage. In winter, without snow cover, it can freeze.

Planting and care

Although the flower is unpretentious, it requires moderate watering. Excessive moisture can cause its death.. Caring for the flower is not difficult; any soil is suitable for planting.

It feels most comfortable at a temperature range of 14 to 20 degrees Celsius.

There are a considerable number of varieties known that can grow well in the dry season. Plants need water most in the spring, before flowering begins.. By the time the first inflorescences open, watering must be stopped.

Pruning is done after the flower has faded. This measure will be an excellent stimulant for the formation of young foliage.

Veronica reproduces in several ways:

division of rhizomes;
cuttings;
seeds.

When growing such a flower, gardeners give preference to a suitable option.

Veronica is usually propagated by three by known methods: seeds, dividing the bush and cuttings

Sowing is carried out in the fall. But it is also possible to sow in the spring, if the seed fund is first stratified.

Cuttings are recommended to be done in summer. By this time, young stems are being prepared. They are then placed in soil or water to allow roots to form. After this, the seedlings are allowed to be transferred to open ground.

Dividing the rhizome is the most popular method of propagating Veronica.. The fact is that it does not involve costs, and the survival rate is high. This type of breeding is recommended in spring or autumn.

To begin with, the stems are removed and the bush is dug up. The roots are cut with a knife or spatula.

Divide the bush into equal parts so that there are at least three shoots on the first root. Having completed the procedure, it is necessary to immediately plant it in the ground.

Useful qualities

The medicinal properties of the plant have been known since ancient times. Veronica has long been used as a remedy to cure various diseases.

Of particular value are the tops of the stems with leaves and inflorescences.. Harvesting is carried out with the onset of summer, when flowering is at its peak. Drying time must be reduced to a minimum, for which a temperature regime of forty degrees is created. This allows you to reduce losses and preserve the color shade. If everything is done correctly, Veronica will retain its healing properties for two years.

Besides, used as an ornamental plant to decorate the garden area.

Veronica is grown today in any type of soil composition. But the plant feels best on loamy soil. It requires a sufficient amount of light, although shaded areas are suitable for breeding.

A plant resistant to harsh winters, speedwell is grown both for decorative purposes and for cooking. healing decoctions. In total, more than 500 species are known for garden planting. There is no such diversity in nature, but wild species not a little either. There are perennial, annual and shrub species, each of which is diluted with varietal diversity.

Despite its belonging to the plantain family, its appearance is very different from its main representative, the plantain. Veronica is common in temperate climate zones and is found in the foothills of Altai, in the forests of Siberia and the Urals. Its spikelets decorate meadows all over the world, and gardeners love it for its ease of care and ability to get along with other plants.

Features of Veronica agricultural technology: cultivation and care

Veronica is loved by gardeners for its unpretentiousness, lack of special techniques, and variety of species and varieties. If Veronica is chosen as the resident of the flowerbed, then you should remember the basic rules for any perennial plant.

Important requirements that cannot be avoided:

The sunny side of the site, where light will be present from morning to evening. Shady and semi-shaded areas will not provide the decorative properties declared by breeders.
Pay attention to watering: each type requires a certain amount of water. When breeding Veronica, you need to get acquainted not only with its decorative value, but also with its care conditions. Herbaceous creeping species do not tolerate drought, die without water, and flowering stops. Erect, tall species can easily tolerate drought and heat.
Liquid organic fertilizers are used as top dressing during the period of budding and flowering. In nature and wild breeding it does well without additional feeding. There are enough soil nutrients for growth and flowering. Flowerbeds with depleted soil can be fed with organic matter: humus, manure, infusion of nettle and burdock.
Tall bushes need a garter. The thin stem cannot withstand the pressure of the wind, which can not only tilt downward, depriving it of its aesthetic appearance, but also break it. Twigs, a picket fence, and willow branches will do.
In the fall, after flowering ends, the above-ground part is cut off, the roots are additionally covered with humus, peat, dry leaves, spruce branches, creating a cushion that will protect against abnormally low temperatures.

Veronica propagation methods

There are 3 methods used to breed Veronica:

Sprouted Veronica seed photo

seminal;
dividing the bush;
cuttings.

Despite the troublesomeness of the seed method, it is used when they want to get a healthy independent bush with pure varietal characteristics. This is also an opportunity to improve the health of planting material and increase its quantity quite cheaply.

The seeds are sown directly into the ground in the fall or in the spring, Veronica is grown on a windowsill in seedlings.

Densely sprouted seedlings are thinned out, creating gaps between bushes from 20 to 50 cm, depending on the type. Tall plants need more space to grow.

How to grow veronica seedlings at home

Veronica plant growing from seeds to seedlings photo

In February, speedwell seeds are moistened and kept in the refrigerator in a wet cloth, wrapped in a bag, for about a month.

We take out seeds that have been stratified in the refrigerator to plant in March.
Fill containers or cups with nutrient soil.
Veronica seeds, although small, allow you to sow them one at a time, so don’t be lazy and place one seed in a cup or 5 cm apart in a container.
Sprinkle with a thin layer of earth and moisten.
Cover with film until shoots appear.
When seedlings appear, remove the cover and place the seedlings on a light windowsill.
Watering is carried out as the soil dries; there must be holes in the container to drain excess water.
When the seedlings have 8-10 true leaves, they can be planted in the ground.

Veronica seedlings ready for planting photo

Before planting, seedlings are hardened, accustoming them to air and sun. This should be done one to two weeks before the planned landing, gradually increasing the time spent on the street to a full day.

Autumn planting of seeds in open ground subjects the seeds to stratification (cold test).

Spring sowing requires artificially created conditions of exposure to cold for 1-2 months. After which the seeds are immersed in the soil, no deeper than 2 cm, so that germination is not difficult.

Dividing the bush It is considered a quick and convenient way of reproduction. Flower stalks will appear in the first year of planting. Select the largest bush and separate several sprouts using a shovel or garden knife. After moving to a new place, the bushes are covered for successful adaptation. After ten days, the covering material is removed, allowing the bushes to grow independently. Usually the procedure is carried out before flowering, in spring, or after - in early autumn.

Propagation of Veronica by cuttings photo

Propagation by cuttings passes by cutting a 10 cm long shoot from a healthy bush. It is allowed to germinate in water, after which it is planted in a permanent place.

How to propagate Veronica from cuttings photo

You can keep the cuttings for several hours in a root solution and place them in nutrient soil for germination. But in this case, it is necessary to create greenhouse conditions by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag until rooting.

We propagate Veronica from cuttings photo

The procedure is performed in August, then the sprout will have time to take root and strengthen in the ground before winter. On next year The bush will delight you with excellent flowering.

The beauty of Veronica and its diversity of species will appeal to any gardener.

Pest protection

Veronica planting and care photo Veronica surculosa

Due to its natural endurance, Veronica is rarely affected by infections. Waterlogged soil or a shady area of the garden can provoke the appearance of false powdery mildew(gray coating on leaves). For treatment, a fungicidal solution is prepared from the preparations Fitosporin, Alirin-B, Gamair.

Eliminating the diseased plant and treating the flower bed with nematicides will help fight the ring spot virus. The carriers of the virus are nematodes that live in the soil. Yellow, curled foliage is a sign of soil damage by nematodes, and the plants have ring spot.

Among insect pests, you can most often find caterpillars that eat foliage and young shoots. Warming up the soil, timely weeding, and a break in watering will save you from them. Less common are cutworms, moths, and long-whiskered moths, which can be treated with insecticides.

Description of the Veronica veronica plant, origin

Veronica spiky red fox photo

Veronica is difficult to confuse with other plants due to the combination of characteristics of nettle, plantain and bells. If you look at a flowerbed with veronica from afar, it is not very bright, but resembles a solid carpet. Therefore, when creating garden decor, they use not one plant, but several at once, diluting the green mass with bright spots.
Root system. Each type of speedwell has its own differences in the type of rhizomes:

filamentous with a superficial location;
thick with shallow germination;
thin mesh, occupying a large underground area.

Perennial bushes have a deep root that can withstand low winter temperatures.

Annual species differ in more delicate roots: thread-like and superficial.

Stems. Veronica has a long, dense stem, cylindrical. Some species have an erect ground part, others have a creeping part. Depending on the location of the stems, the plant represents its decorative value. The strong weave of fibers allows it to withstand weight loads when humans or animals walk. It will not be possible to break off or tear off part of the bush, only with the use of a tool.

Leaves. Externally, the leaf blade resembles nettle: oval with a carved edge, and has small hairs. Unlike nettle, it does not leave burns and behaves friendly. The color range of the green mass is mostly bright green, although there are some gray. The leaves are arranged alternately or oppositely on the stem, rarely in whorls.

Flowers. The natural color is deep blue; in garden culture you can find white, blue, lilac, and purple shades. The inflorescence is a spikelet with a dense arrangement of small flowers on it, bell-shaped with a carved edge. They bloom alternately from bottom to top, so flowering lasts for a long time. The lower ones form seed pods, while the upper ones continue to bloom.

Because of its creeping appearance, the grass is popularly called snake grass or speedwell grass. IN fiction you can find the name “goat face” or “blue face”. Some species are similar to forget-me-nots, so this name also stuck with Veronica.

All garden varieties are produced from wild species. The combination of decorative properties and natural endurance has made the species the most numerous in the plantain family.

Types and varieties of Veronica with descriptions and photos

Prevalence throughout to the globe allowed to adapt to any natural and climatic conditions. Some species are named after their place of growth, and varietal names are more reminiscent of a description external signs. The remoteness of the places where Veronica is domesticated provides an explanation for such significant species differences. There are low and tall plants, with long erect stems or short ones up to 30 cm, shrubs with strong stems or herbaceous thread-like stems.

Veronica Armenian Veronica armena

Veronica Armenian Veronica armena photo

With its blue flowers it is more reminiscent of forget-me-nots, the same open five-leaf inflorescences. Mountain slopes and sudden changes in temperature left their mark on appearance Veronica. The plant is low-growing, creeping, the green mass fills the entire space of the flowerbed. The needle-shaped leaves create the image of a fluffy carpet, with blue flowers glowing on top in a bright pattern.

Armenian speedwell grows up to 10 cm. This size allows it to withstand the wind, the small area of the leaf plate does not allow moisture to quickly evaporate, and protects it from fading in the sun. A large variety of varieties allows you to choose a color scheme.

Veronica Caucasica Veronica caucasica

Veronica Caucasica Veronica caucasica photo

The leaves and stem are deep green, Bottom part plants are darker than the top one. The leaves are small, elongated shape with jagged edges. They are located in the axils in several pieces, distributed evenly along the stem. The flowers are pastel in color, mostly lilac or lilac with thin purple veins. Rocky soil is well suited for growing, so the flower can be used in the design of alpine slides.

Veronica Caucasian in landscape design photo

Low sizes are resistant to windy weather. The creeping, strong stem quickly recovers after being crushed and is resistant to trampling. Does not tolerate chernozem soil, this is taken into account when preparing the flower bed.

Veronica large or broadleaf Veronica teucrium

Veronica large wide variety Royal blue blue Veronica teucrium Royal Blue

A plant up to 70 cm high with an erect stem covered with small hairs. In the wild it is found in the fields of Siberia, the Middle Urals, Western Europe, Mediterranean. Loves fertile soils and is resistant to weather instability.

The root system is strong, creeping, and can withstand low winter temperatures. The leaves are double-sided: smooth on top, covered with hairs below, like on a stem. The flowers are collected in a panicle and located on top of the stem. The color scheme is presented in blue, pink, and purple shades.
The most famous varieties:

"True Blue" up to 60 cm high with a flowering period of 30 days;
"Shirley Blue" under favorable conditions reaches 50 cm, blooms in May to mid-June, then used as a green background for annuals.

Veronica gentianoides

White Veronica gentianoides variety Veronica gentianoides ‘Tissington White’ photo

Low-growing plant with a long flowering period. It begins to bloom at the beginning of summer, and ends flowering by the end of summer; under favorable conditions, it continues to bloom until mid-September. Flowers white, lined with blue stripes. From a distance it takes on a bluish tint, but upon closer inspection, distinct blue veins are visible. The main leaf mass is located at the base of the bush; small adjacent leaves are located in pairs along the stem. The color is silvery-green, the edge of the leaf is framed by a light border.

The flower does not tolerate waterlogged soil; more often it is planted in a flowerbed alone, without a companion. Looks advantageous on a sandy or pebble base.

Veronica woody Veronica surculosa

Veronica woody variety Veronica surculosa ‘Waterperry Blue’ photo

A plant with a strong creeping stem that becomes woody after winter. Loves well-drained soils and is not afraid of low temperatures, but in harsh climates it is better to protect it from freezing.

A perennial whose flowers bloom in early July and delight with their beauty until mid-September. The color of the petals ranges from deep pink to purple; there are varieties with bright and pastel colors.

Veronica Crimean Veronica taurica

Veronica Crimean Veronica taurica photo

Its bright blue flowers on a dark green background are visible from afar. Therefore, it is planted in rocky background conditions. Many gardeners prefer to plant Crimean speedwell along the edge of the flowerbed, decorating borders and paths. It prefers a mild climate without temperature changes, so in regions with variable climates it is better to grow as an annual.

Veronica filiformis

Veronica filiformis photo

Belongs to the spring primroses, which blooms at the end of April and blooms before the onset of heat, until about mid-May. Best grown with a companion, where the foliage acts as a backdrop to the vibrant colors of the annuals. Goes well with asters, annual dahlias, gerberas, and better than low-growing varieties.

During the flowering period, the soft green carpet is covered with light blue flowers, some of which may bloom until late spring. It is advisable to remove faded buds to maintain a neat appearance.

Veronica gray Veronica incana

Veronica gray or gray Veronica incana photo

The most unusual among Veronicas. Its silvery leaves and stem will dilute the color scheme of the garden and add dynamics. Intense blue flowers are collected in a tall panicle at the top. It begins to bloom from July to the end of summer.

Speedwell Veronica peduncularis

Veronica pedicel variety Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ photo

The herbaceous perennial plant blooms with blue four-petaled flowers, the middle of which is yellow. From a distance they resemble forget-me-nots or violets. The bush is tall, up to 70 cm, blooms profusely.

Veronica longifolia Veronica longifolia

Veronica longifolia photo

The species is characterized by tall bushes, up to 1.5 m, with thin long stem, branching from above into several flower-bearing panicles. The inflorescences themselves are tall, flowering begins from the bottom, reaching the top by September. Shades range from purple to bluish and blue. More suitable for growing with wildflowers, on large plantations, and decorating wild lawns.

Speedwell Veronica officinalis

Veronica officinalis photo

Common perennial in the regions middle zone Russia and East Asia. It is noticeable due to its soft lilac or blue flowers and soft green leaves collected in bunches.

Veronica officinalis and longifolia have not only decorative value, but also medicinal properties. They are used as an anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and choleretic agent. One-component decoctions and drinks are prepared and as part of preparations.

Veronica vulgare increases blood circulation, restores cognitive functions: improves memory, concentrates attention.

Veronica hybrid - a luxurious garden decoration

Veronica hybrid Atomic Mix Veronica photo

Veronica is an excellent ornamental plant that can be grown in open ground, both for the purpose of decorating a garden plot and for medicinal purposes. Although speedwell belongs to the plantain family, it bears little resemblance to plantain: a delicate, neat plant can become a worthy decorative element in any flowerbed. Further about the features of growing speedwell in open ground: planting, care, the best varieties(photos and instructions included).

Veronica flower: description of the plant, characteristics of the main varieties

Veronica is a herbaceous rhizomatous perennial. The plant is represented by a wide variety of varieties and varieties, each of which differs in height, external characteristics, including the color and shape of leaves, flowers and even rhizomes (roots can be thin and long, or quite powerful and short, there are even thread-like ones).

The plant is popularly known by other names, including “forget-me-not”, “snake grass”, etc. The stems of the plant are straight, or in some cases creeping in height from several centimeters to 1.5 m. The shape of the leaves is varied, the color is in most cases green, sometimes an unusual light gray.

The openwork flowers of the plant are presented in a rich range of shades: blue (natural color), white, pink, etc. They are collected in small spike-shaped or paniculate inflorescences. The duration of the flowering period of Veronica depends on the characteristics of a particular variety.

Advice. If you want to achieve the longest possible flowering period for Veronica in your garden, you need to optimally combine the cultivation of several varieties that differ in flowering periods.

The species diversity of the plant makes it possible to choose the best option both for home conditions and for growing in open ground. The following varieties can be particularly distinguished:

Medicinal. A perennial ground plant with small soft green leaves and neat decorative flowers in lilac, pink and blue shades.

Medicinal Veronica

Longifolia. A powerful tall plant (one of the tallest in the Veronica genus). The inflorescences of the plant are quite long, with a spectacular light purple color. It has a long flowering period: throughout the summer until the beginning of autumn. It is incredibly popular among gardeners not only due to its decorative, but also medicinal properties, in particular, the variety is an excellent antiseptic.

Longleaf speedwell

Caucasian. The leaves of the plant are dissected and colored bright green. The flowers have an unusual purple color and thin purple stripes.

Caucasian speedwell

Gentian. A low-growing plant with thin stems bearing delicate white flowers, the petals of which are covered with small blue stripes.

Gentian speedwell

Woody. It is a small creeping plant with greenish-gray leaves and pink flowers.

Woody speedwell

Crimean. A dwarf variety (reaches only 20 cm in height) with small light green leaves and blue flowers.

Crimean speedwell

Gray-haired. An unusual low-growing variety with bluish leaves and bright blue inflorescences.

Gray Veronica

Plant propagation

The process of propagation of speedwell is carried out in 3 ways: seeds, cuttings or dividing the bush. The seed method is considered quite troublesome, but it is best option for those who want to get a healthy bush with full characteristics of the variety. Seeds can either be sown directly into the ground in the fall, or pre-prepared seedlings can be planted in the spring.

If you plan to sow seedlings, you should start preparing planting material ahead of time. At the end of winter, the seeds must be wrapped in damp gauze and placed in the refrigerator for 25-30 days.

Add nutrient soil to the container, then place the seeds not very deep in the ground. It is advisable to place them one at a time in a separate pot or at a distance of about 5-7 cm from each other in a large container. The seeds should be sprinkled with a thin layer of soil and moistened.

Be sure to cover all containers with transparent film and place them in a warm place. When the sprouts have sprung sufficiently (about 8 cm in height), they can be planted in open ground. Do not forget to harden the seedlings some time before, periodically exposing them to fresh air.

Adult plants are easily propagated by dividing the bush

Dividing a bush is a simple way to help achieve flower stalks in the first year after planting. It is important to choose the right sprouts. The bush should be the tallest and absolutely healthy. Separate several sprouts and plant them in the ground. Be sure to cover them with special material. After 10-12 days, remove it and continue growing the plant as usual.

Propagation by cuttings will allow you to successfully grow speedwell from a small shoot about 10 cm long. You should place it in water for a while so that the cuttings can germinate, after which you can plant them in open ground.

Planting a plant in open ground

The plant is considered to be quite unpretentious to growing conditions, therefore, when choosing a suitable site for growing speedwell in open ground, it is not necessary to make a strict selection: the plant is suitable for heavy clay soil, loose sandstone, and swampy soil.

Advice. Although speedwell is not a picky plant, it is very sensitive to the amount of sunlight, so the place for planting the crop must be chosen exclusively sunny (in extreme cases, partial shade will do, but dense, beautiful flowering will be much more difficult to achieve).

Planting a young plant or seeds must be done in moist and well-loosened soil, previously enriched with nutritious organic matter.

Subtleties of plant care

The Veronica plant is quite easy to grow: even a beginner can grow a healthy, strong flower in open ground. Read more about the care measures garden plants Veronica needs.

Veronica is rarely affected by pests

Watering and fertilizing regime

First of all, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the soil in the area where the plant is grown: under no circumstances should it dry out (dry soil is practically death for Veronica). During periods of drought, the plant should be watered very generously: do not allow the soil to dry out. When the first branches appear on the plant, watering should be stopped, and after the last ones bloom, the tops of the veronica should be trimmed.

Advice. To slow down the process of soil loss of moisture and control the growth of weeds, you can periodically acidify the soil: the plant will only be happy about this (Veronica really loves acidic or slightly acidic soil).

As for fertilizers, Veronica certainly needs them, but fertilizing should not be too frequent: it is enough to apply fertilizer to each bush of the plant with the onset of the growing season, and continue fertilizing only at the end of spring. If you live in a region where winters are quite severe, it is advisable to also apply potassium fertilizers in the middle of summer: this will help the plants withstand the cold.

Diseases and pests

Despite the fact that various insects always hover near the plant, attracted by its fragrant pollen (bees, butterflies, etc.), Veronica is resistant to this kind of “encroachment.”

The plant is slightly susceptible to various diseases and pests. The only exceptions are some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and gray rot. You can get rid of these diseases using either chemicals, such as “Oxychom” or copper sulfate, or biological analogues that will be completely safe for animals and humans.

Sometimes aphids can “visit” Veronica growing in the garden. If there is not too much of it, there is no need to worry: the plant is able to cope with the pest on its own.

Veronica in landscape design

Combination of Veronica with other plants

Veronica is often used as an excellent group plant, which can be used as one of the main decorative elements in alpine slides, flower beds and mixborders. The main purpose of using veronica in landscape design is to give the garden area ease and lightness. Veronica is suitable for growing near borders, where not every plant can survive.

An excellent combination of plants in the garden would be with buzulnik, bergenia, etc. By the way, even such a simple combination as speedwell and chamomile can create harmony in any area of the garden.

Advice. If you are willing to take risks for the sake of a spectacular garden plot, try using contrasting combinations: for example, speedwell and rose. As a result, you will get a winning composition in which each element will be beautifully emphasized by the other.

These are all the subtleties that need to be taken into account when growing veronica in open ground. Good luck!

Veronica's landing: video

Charming and delicate flowers of Veronica can decorate any flowerbed or garden and enhance an orchard. The many shades of its petals range from sky blue to deep blue. Veronica is a plant that does not require much effort and time to grow. Almost all garden forms are natural species, very resistant to cold and with good survival rates. So why not try them on your site?

Rod Veronica: description

This genus is the most numerous (about 500 species) among the Plantain family. Among them are annual and perennial, less often subshrubs, which are common in all parts of the world, but mainly in temperate and cold regions of Eurasia. Representatives of the genus are widespread throughout our country.

Any speedwell is a plant (photo attached) with characteristic generic characteristics. The first of them are small flowers with two stamens, which are collected in paniculate, spike-shaped or umbellate inflorescences (sessile or on a long peduncle). The second is thick rhizomes, shortened or branched, or many thin roots. Among the numerous representatives there are excellent honey plants, medicinal plants, as well as ornamental ones. It is the latter that we will pay more attention to.

It should be noted that Veronica is a plant, although it does not have outstanding external characteristics, but is beautiful in its simplicity. they can rise above the flowerbed, gathered into a slender ear, or almost spread out like a soft “pillow”, braiding everything around. We invite you to learn about the main types of speedwell introduced into culture.

Veronica Armenian

A low plant (7-10 cm) of bright green color, forming a dense and dense turf. Stems ascending or recumbent, woody at the base. Leaves 08-1.2 cm long, pinnately dissected at the base into thin and curling lobes, are also decorative. Corolla or lilac-tinged with a rich aroma. A pink variety has been developed. Armenian speedwell is a very drought-resistant, unpretentious plant, which is why it is popular among flower growers when decorating lawns, alpine hills, and terraces. Flowering begins in mid-summer. The species is very sensitive to soil. Only rocky substrates with an alkaline environment and a small amount of river sand or fertilized clay are acceptable.

Speedwell of Austria

With tall erect stems from 30 to 70 cm, small leaves and star-shaped leaves collected in racemes. Flowering is long-lasting, starting in May-June. Drought-resistant, decorative, widely used for decorating rock gardens, rockeries, in group and single plantings. The natural habitat is steppes and forest-steppes, mountain meadows and rocky hills. Prefers well-drained, sandy soil.

Veronica is big

A species widely distributed in the natural environment: the entire European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, the Mediterranean, Central Asia. Grows in sparse forest stands, meadows and fields. This speedwell is a plant (photo above) with an impressive garden history. It has been introduced into culture since 1596. The species is characterized by the formation of dense bushes, from which peduncles emerge on a long stem (up to 30 cm) with stars of blue flowers of varying degrees of saturation. A very unpretentious plant, characterized by high winter hardiness (does not require shelter) and drought resistance. Grows well in any garden soil, prefers sunny places and is moisture-loving. It is used in group and single plantings; it is suitable for cutting into bouquets. Various varieties have been bred, differing in bush size, color, and leaf color. In particular, True Blue is a tall speedwell (blue). The plant (photo attached) has inflorescences up to 10 cm long, the flowering period is a month, from the end of May. The unusual variety Miffy Blue grows into a spectacular bush with variegated decorative leaves and large pale blue inflorescences.

Veronica gentian

In its natural environment it grows in the southern and middle regions of the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus and Crimea, in This is a herbaceous plant that forms beautiful cushion-shaped bushes up to 45 cm high. The leaves are collected in a rosette, dark green, leathery. Inflorescence on a high shoot (30-70 cm), loose, multi-flowered. The color of the corolla is pale blue, often towards a white tone with clear blue veins. The flowers are large, reaching 1 cm in diameter. Flowering begins in June and continues for a month, but the bush retains its decorative effect until frost. Gentian speedwell is a plant introduced into horticultural culture since 1784, during which time many varieties have been developed. Among them are Variegata with leaves edged with a white stripe, Tissington White with almost white flowers, etc. Veronica is absolutely unpretentious, moisture-loving, but drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, but prefers well-lit places; shelter for the winter is not required.

Veronica Koloskovaya

Veronica petty

Highly decorative, demanding on growing conditions. It is subendemic and grows in nature only on volcanic soils. Forms dense cushions with dark green leaves, completely strewn with small blue flowers of a pure shade and with a delicate aroma. In garden conditions, propagation is possible only by dividing the rhizome. Veronica small requires nutritious soil, but in the complete absence of organic matter, constant moderate moisture and good lighting (sunny places) are needed.

Veronica officinalis plant

Features of cultivation

When preparing the substrate for planting, pay attention to the variety you are planting, and depending on this, supplement it with the necessary components, for example, for hairy and gravelly - crushed stone.
A high degree of drought tolerance does not mean that there is no need to water. On the contrary, most species prefer moderate moisture.
Cut off faded inflorescences, this way you will preserve the decorative appearance of the bush longer and, perhaps, achieve repeated flowering.