Veronica Austriaca Subsp. Teucrium Crater Lake Blue ( Saw-leaved Speedwell Crater Lake Blue) Plant Care Tips

Saw-leaved Speedwell Crater Lake Blue Plant Care Tips

Welcome to the world of gardening, where we dig deep into the dirt and grow our love for plants! Today, we are going
to explore the beautiful Veronica austriaca subsp.

teucrium Crater Lake Blue, also known as saw-leaved speedwell
Crater Lake Blue.

This vibrant blue-flowered plant is a sight to behold in any garden.

Plant Description and Characteristics

Crater Lake Blue is an herbaceous perennial that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae.

It features stunning spikes
of intense blue flowers that bloom from late spring through early summer.

The flowers are held above a compact,
mounded foliage with serrated leaves that resemble saw blades.

• Blooming period: Late spring to early summer.
• Growth habit: Compact and mounded.
• Foliage color: Green with serrated edges resembling saw blades.
• Flower color: Intense blue.

Cultivation and Maintenance Tips

To make sure your Crater Lake Blue thrives in your garden, follow these care tips:

Selecting the Right Location for Planting

The success of any plant depends on finding its ideal growing conditions.

When it comes to Crater Lake Blue, follow
these guidelines:

• Sunlight: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.

  The plant will appreciate at least
  6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

• Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

  Amend heavy clay soil
  with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.

Planting and Watering

To ensure successful establishment, follow these planting and watering tips:

• Planting time: It’s best to plant Crater Lake Blue in spring or fall when the weather is mild.
  Avoid extreme temperatures.
• Digging the hole: Dig a hole that is slightly wider than the root ball but no deeper.

  Gently
  loosen the roots before placing the plant in the hole.

• Watering needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season.
  Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature.

Fertilizing and Pruning

To promote healthy growth and abundant blooms, fertilize your Crater Lake Blue regularly and perform necessary pruning
as follows:

• Fertilization schedule:
  Fertilize your plants once every month during their active growing period (spring through summer).

  Use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for flowering perennials.

  Follow label instructions for application rates.
  
  

• Purning requirements:
  In late fall or early spring, cut the plant back to a few inches above the ground.

  This helps rejuvenate the plant and promotes vigorous growth in the following season.
  
  

Pest and Disease Control

While Crater Lake Blue is generally a resilient plant, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.

Here are
some common issues you may encounter:

• Aphids: These tiny insects can cluster on your plants, sucking sap and causing distortion.

  Use
  insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.

• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves.

  Improve air
  circulation around plants by spacing them adequately, and remove infected leaves promptly.

Inspiration from Successful Gardens

If you’re still unsure about how to incorporate Crater Lake Blue into your garden design, take inspiration from these
successful gardens:

1. The Smiths’ Garden of Blues: The Smiths have created a stunning blue-themed garden with Crater Lake Blue as their
   centerpiece.

   They paired it with other blue-flowering plants like Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ and Iris sibirica.
   The result is a harmonious sea of blues that attracts butterflies and bees.

2. The Johnsons’ Cottage Garden: The Johnsons transformed their backyard into a charming cottage garden filled with an array of flowers including roses, daisies, delphiniums, and Crater Lake Blue.

   By planting them in drifts rather than individual specimens they created waves of color that provide visual interest all summer long.

Summary

Crater Lake Blue is a magnificent plant that deserves a place in every garden.

By providing the right conditions and
following proper care guidelines, you can enjoy its stunning blue flowers and attractive foliage year after year.
Remember to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, water regularly, fertilize monthly during the growing
season, and watch out for common pests and diseases.

Get inspired by successful gardens to create your own piece of
paradise with Crater Lake Blue as the star of the show!