Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia
Also listed as Veronicastrum serpyllifolium, Cardia officinalis
Also known as Turf Speedwell, Thyme Speedwell
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing groundcover with tiny thyme-like leaves and delicate pale blue to white flowers. It spreads readily and works well in rock gardens, lawns, and between pavers.
Why grow it
Veronica serpyllifolia offers finer texture and lower growth habit than many speedwell species, making it useful where a delicate groundcover is preferred over coarser alternatives. It tolerates poor soils and compaction better than most ornamental groundcovers, which can reduce establishment costs in challenging sites. The pale flowers and mat-forming growth suit rock gardens and between-paver situations where taller or more aggressive spreaders would be inappropriate.
Watch out for
This species can spread vigorously in favorable conditions and may outcompete desired plants if not monitored, particularly in loose or mulched beds. Performance varies significantly with drainage and moisture availability; in poorly drained sites it is prone to root rot and fungal issues. Mowing or foot traffic may be needed periodically to maintain density and prevent bare patches, depending on site conditions and use intensity.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing groundcover with tiny thyme-like leaves and delicate pale blue to white flowers. It spreads readily and works well in rock gardens, lawns, and between pavers.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Thyme-leaved 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 serpyllifolia offers finer texture and lower growth habit than many speedwell species, making it useful where a delicate groundcover is preferred over coarser alternatives. It tolerates poor soils and compaction better than most ornamental groundcovers, which can reduce establishment costs in challenging sites. The pale flowers and mat-forming growth suit rock gardens and between-paver situations where taller or more aggressive spreaders would be inappropriate.
Watch out for
This species can spread vigorously in favorable conditions and may outcompete desired plants if not monitored, particularly in loose or mulched beds. Performance varies significantly with drainage and moisture availability; in poorly drained sites it is prone to root rot and fungal issues. Mowing or foot traffic may be needed periodically to maintain density and prevent bare patches, depending on site conditions and use intensity.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
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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