Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Speedwell

This large genus of annual and perennial plants is predominantly from Europe and western Asia, but a few species are from Australia and New Zealand, though most of these are now in the genera Hebe and Paruhebe. Taller growing species make pretty bedding or border plants; low or dwarf types are attractive rockery or groundcover plants.

Species

The European perennial V. austriaca subsp. teucrium, zone 6, forms mats of growth, but produces flower spikes up to 90 cm (36 in) high, bearing rich blue flowers in summer. There is a number of excellent cultivars available.

V. chamaedrys, germander speedwell, zone 3, is another spreading perennial from Europe, with 45 cm (18 in) spikes of blue, white-eyed flowers, in summer and autumn.

V. cinerea, zone 5, from the Mediterranean, is a prostrate, evergreen subshnub with white, woolly leaves and rich blue flowers, in early summer.

V. gentianoides, zone 4, is a tufted perennial, growing between 15 and 60 cm (6-24 in) high, with a basal rosette of leaves and pale blue flowers with darker veins. Cultivar 'Variegate' has white-variegated leaves.

V. longifolia, zone 4, is an upright perennial, 60 cm to 1.2 m (24-48 in) high, with pointed, toothed leaves and clusters of lilac flowers. Cultivar 'Alba' has white flowers.

V. pectinata, zone 3, from mountainous regions, is a mat-forming plant, with gray foliage and deep blue flowers, with white centers. Cultivar 'Rosea' has pink flowers.

V. prostrata, zone 5, is an alpine, mat-forming perennial, growing to only 15 cm (6 in) high, but with a wide spread. The leaves are variable, but always toothed, and in spring and early summer, this plant is dotted with pretty blue flowers borne in spikes.

V. repens, zone 5, is a mat-forming, creeping perennial, with pale blue flowers. Other colour forms are also available.

V spicata, zone 3, is a perennial, growing to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 in) and a spread of around 50 cm (20 in). The spreading stems carry slightly hairy leaves, and the dense flower sprays are usually blue. There are culti­vars in other colours.

Cultivation

The majority of species are very hardy. The border types can be grown in fertile, well-drained yet moist soil in full sun or partial shade. The dwarf, alpine species are best suited to sunny rock gardens with well-drained soil. Propagate from seed in autumn in a garden frame, or by division in early spring. Raise shrubby types from softwood cuttings in spring, under glass.

Climate

There are species suited to various cli­matic zones. Most prefer cooler climates.