bastard speedwell
Veronica spuria

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

Veronica spuria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Mountain slopes and steppes around. 1100 metres in NW Xinjiang province, China.

S.E. Europe to central Asia. A rare garden escape in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. A famine food, they are only used when all else fails.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil. Prefers cool summers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient quantity the seed can be sown outdoors in situ in the autumn or the spring. Division in autumn or spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pseudolysimachion spurium (L.) Rauschert