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Annual Biennial

Veronica persica

common field speedwell

An annual wildflower, with slightly hairy, sprawling stems and toothed leaves to 2cm long. All year round it produces small blue flowers singly from the leaf axils. It self-seeds freely and is often considered a weed species

Synonyms
Veronica buxbaumii Ten.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Veronica can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs with paired leaves and small flowers usually in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Caucasus to N Iran

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or rooted stem sections

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus

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