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Speedwell Plants: The Complete Guide and Care Tips
Looking to jazz up your garden with some pizzazz? Well, look no further than speedwell plants! These babies are all the rage among gardeners who want to spice up their landscape with a bit of color and texture.
And boy, can these plants pack a punch! With their luscious blue, pink, or white flowers, you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors.
But hold on just a darn minute – what the heck are these speedwell plants anyway? Don’t worry my dear green-thumbed friend – this here is your complete guide to everything you need to know about speedwell plants.
We’ll cover how to take care of them like they’re your own little plant babies and give you some top-notch tips for making sure they thrive in your garden.
So buckle up buttercup because we’re about to take a deep dive into the wonderful world of speedwell!
What are Speedwell Plants?
Speedwell is the common name for the Veronica genus of flowering plants.
These perennials come in many varieties that range from low-growing ground covers to tall spikes of flowers that tower over two feet above the ground.
Alright, listen up folks because I am about to drop some botanical knowledge on you.
So, the most common type of speedwell plant is called Veronica spicata.
This naughty little plant can grow up to 24 inches tall and produces spikes of colorful flowers from late spring through mid-summer.
And let me tell you, these flowers are straight-up gorgeous! But wait, there’s more! We have other popular varieties like Veronica longifolia ‘First Lady’ which has these deep blue blooms that will make you feel like royalty when you look at them.
And if that isn’t enough to satisfy your thirst for speedwell plants, then feast your eyes on Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’.
This bad boy can grow up to six feet tall with white flower clusters that are sure to fascinate anyone who looks at them (hence the name).
So yeah, basically what I’m trying to say is that speedwell plants are the bomb-dot-com and you should definitely consider adding them to your garden ASAP!
Caring for Speedwell Plants
If you’re considering adding speedwells into your garden landscape or simply curious about how best care for them when potted inside your home then here’s everything you need:
Ah, the beloved speedwells.
These little guys know what they want in a soil and won’t settle for anything less.
They need that well-draining goodness with a side of organic matter like compost or aged manure.
It’s like their own personal spa treatment! But don’t go grabbing just any old soil – a good mixture for these divas should consist of equal parts sand or perlite mixed with peat moss or composted pine bark.
And let’s talk pH levels, because speedwells are not to be messed with on that front either.
They prefer it neutral (6-7), but don’t worry if your soil is slightly acidic (5.5-6) because they can handle it like the champs they are.
So if you want to keep those speedwells happy and blooming, give them the VIP treatment they deserve in their soil selection!
Watering
- The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Water speedwells regularly during the growing season, especially in hot and dry weather conditions.
- Avoid overhead watering as this can promote the spread of fungal diseases that affect foliage and flowers.
Fertilizing
- Speedwell plants do not require much fertilization, but a slow-release organic fertilizer applied in spring or early summer can enhance growth and flowering.
- Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leafy growth at the expense of flowering buds.
Tips for Growing Speedwell Plants Successfully
So, you’re thinking of adding some speedwells to your garden? Well, buckle up because these little guys can be a wild ride! But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips that will make growing them a breeze (or should I say..xa speed breeze?).
First things first, make sure you find a sunny spot for your speedwells.
They love soaking up those rays like a bunch of beach bums on spring break.
And speaking of breaks, don’t forget to give them plenty of water.
These plants are not afraid to chug-a-lug it down like it’s happy hour at the local pub.
Now let’s talk about soil.
Speedwells prefer well-draining soil that’s loose and aerated – kind of like how we all prefer our beds after a long day at work (amirite?).
So loosen up that soil and make sure it’s not too compacted or else the speedwells won’t be able to put down roots and get comfortable.If you want your speedwells to really shine (and who doesn’t?), then deadhead them regularly.
This means removing any spent flowers so they can focus their energy on producing new blooms instead of wasting it on old ones.
Think of it as giving them a haircut – just without the awkward small talk.
Finally, if pests come knocking at your garden gate looking for trouble (and trust me they will), hit ’em with some insecticidal soap or neem oil before
So, you know how they say that sunlight is good for you? Well, let’s just say that some people take that advice a little too seriously.
I mean, have you ever seen those tan-obsessed individuals who look like they’ve been living on the surface of the sun? It’s like they’re competing for the “lobster of the year” award or something.
And don’t even get me started on those people who refuse to wear sunscreen because they think it will ruin their chances of getting a bronze glow.
Newsflash: You won’t look sexy with skin cancer! So yeah, while sunlight exposure is definitely important in moderation (hello, vitamin D!), let’s all try to not turn into walking raisins or crispy critters.
Your future self and your skin will thank you.
Speedwells, those mighty perennials, are quite particular when it comes to their living arrangements.
They love a sunny spot, but don’t want too much of that bright stuff – 4-6 hours a day is plenty for these fussy plants.
But wait! Don’t just assume that all speedwells are the same – some of those fancy cultivars might prefer to hang out in the shade like it’s some kind of club VIP area.
So before you go planting willy-nilly, make sure you read up on each variety’s preferences so you don’t end up with a bunch of grumpy little flowers sulking in your garden.
Let’s talk about how to get rid of those pesky pests that just won’t leave you alone! First off, the old-fashioned method of using a fly swatter might work for some small annoyances, but if you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation, it’s time to bring in the big guns.
You could try setting up traps or using sprays, but let’s be real – those are about as effective as trying to stop a hurricane with an umbrella.
No, what you really need is some hardcore pest control measures.
Maybe hire an army of cats to patrol your property and keep rodents at bay.
Or install lasers that shoot down any flying insects that dare enter your domain.
And if all else fails, just blast heavy metal music at full volume – not only will it scare away any pests within earshot, but no one else will bother coming near you either.But seriously folks (if we must), there are plenty of safe and effective ways to handle pest problems without resorting to extreme measures.
From sealing up cracks and crevices where bugs can enter your home, to keeping food stored properly so as not to attract unwanted visitors – there are plenty of preventive steps you can take before calling in the professionals.And if worse comes to worst? Well then I guess it’s back to the cat army idea..x
When it comes to keeping pesky critters from ruining your garden, one of the best things you can do is keep your plants healthy.
A healthy plant has a better chance of not being targeted by pests in the first place.
But if those pesky aphids or spider mites do decide to make a home on your plants, don’t fret! Simply grab some insecticidal soap and get to work.
And while you’re at it, make sure that the soil around your plants is well-draining.
You don’t want to give any pathogens a cozy place to settle down and transform into bigger problems like nematodes.Now let’s talk about those Japanese Beetles.
These guys are notorious for wreaking havoc on ornamental specimens like roses but fortunately they’re not as big of a threat to speedwells and other sturdy plants.
So keep up with proper care and maintenance, and you’ll be able to wave goodbye (or perhaps flip them off) at any unwanted visitors – whether they have six legs or two!
Deadheading
Speedwell plants will continue to flower all season long if you keep them deadheaded by removing spent blooms regularly.
This encourages new growth and prolongs the flowering period.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a beautiful and colorful addition to your garden landscape, then speedwell plants are definitely worth considering.
With a wide range of varieties available, there’s sure to be one that suits your style and taste.
By following some simple care tips, these perennials can provide years of enjoyment in any garden setting.
