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Herbaceous Perennial

Veronica chamaedrys
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

germander speedwell

A creeping plant, rooting at the nodes, with spires of bright blue flowers. These have white centres, are up to 1cm across, 4 lobed and bloom in spring and early summer. Flowering stems have two vertical lines of hairs. Leaves are entire, pointed, hairy , toothed ovals

Other common names
angels' eyes
bird's eyes
see moreblewort
blue eyes
bluewort
cat's eyes
female fluellen
God's eye
blue stars
eyebright
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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
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue White Green
Summer Blue White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
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
Eurasia

How to grow

Cultivation

Naturally occurs in hedgerows, damp places, grassland and woodland

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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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