Heath Speedwell
Veronica officinalis
Also listed as Veronica carquejana, Veronica depressa
Also known as Common Speedwell, Common Gypsyweed, Gypsyweed
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing perennial groundcover with small pale blue to purple flowers and hairy leaves. It spreads via runners and is drought-tolerant once established.
Why grow it
Veronica officinalis offers reliable groundcover performance in lean, well-drained soils where fussier ornamentals struggle. It blooms longer than many low-growing speedwells and tolerates foot traffic reasonably well, making it useful for erosion control on slopes or as a filler between pavers. Compared to creeping thyme or sedum, it prefers slightly moister conditions and partial shade, widening the range of sites where a low-growing perennial groundcover can succeed.
Watch out for
In rich, consistently moist soil, Veronica officinalis can become leggy and decline unexpectedly, so avoid over-watering or heavy feeding. It spreads by runners but not aggressively enough to be self-renewing in high-traffic areas, so plan for periodic division or reseeding to maintain full coverage. Performance varies by regional climate, and it may struggle in hot, arid regions or very humid lowlands without site-specific adjustment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing perennial groundcover with small pale blue to purple flowers and hairy leaves. It spreads via runners and is drought-tolerant once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Heath Speedwell grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Veronica officinalis offers reliable groundcover performance in lean, well-drained soils where fussier ornamentals struggle. It blooms longer than many low-growing speedwells and tolerates foot traffic reasonably well, making it useful for erosion control on slopes or as a filler between pavers. Compared to creeping thyme or sedum, it prefers slightly moister conditions and partial shade, widening the range of sites where a low-growing perennial groundcover can succeed.
Watch out for
In rich, consistently moist soil, Veronica officinalis can become leggy and decline unexpectedly, so avoid over-watering or heavy feeding. It spreads by runners but not aggressively enough to be self-renewing in high-traffic areas, so plan for periodic division or reseeding to maintain full coverage. Performance varies by regional climate, and it may struggle in hot, arid regions or very humid lowlands without site-specific adjustment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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