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Herbaceous Perennial

Veronica serpyllifolia

thyme-leaved speedwell

A low-growing, creeping perennial no more than 5cm high, with spreading stems and small, oval green leaves that are sometimes slightly toothed. Small pale blue or white flowers with darker blue veins are borne at the upright tips of the stems, from late spring through to early autumn

Other common names
St Paul's betony
thyme-leaved speedwell

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
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 White Blue Green
Summer White Blue Green
Autumn White Blue Green
Winter
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
H6
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Can be found growing in a range of environments including pastures, verges and waste ground. Tolerant of light foot traffic

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division, spreads naturally by rooting at the stem nodes

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
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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