Germander Speedwell
Veronica chamaedrys
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Veronica chamaedrys is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
A common plant of grassland, woods, hedges etc.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, north and western Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves are a tea substitute.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The herb is a blood purifier and vulnerary. It is applied externally to skin diseases and is said to be an efficacious treatment for the itch. Internally, an infusion of the leaves once had a good reputation in the treatment of coughs, asthma, catarrh etc.
Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil. Prefers cool summers. A good bee plant. A common garden weed, it grows well in a lawn and can be grown in the spring meadow. It is also a good plant for the flower border.
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 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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Lawn; Meadow; Hedgerow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist