Ivy-leaved speedwell (Veronica hederifolia) is indigenous to Eurasia. Its maximum height is 6 cm, and its maximum spread is 15 cm. This species requires eight hours of sunlight per day for successful cultivation.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Veronica hederifolia, the ivy-leaved speedwell, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to Europe, western Asia and north Africa and it is present in other places as an introduced species and a common weed. Solitary blue flowers occur in leaf axils, each with a corolla up to one centimeter (0.4 in) wide. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule.
It was named by Linnaeus in Species Plantarum in 1753. The specific epithet “hederifolia” simply means “ivy-leaved.”
There are three subspecies: hederifolia, lucorum (Klett & Richt.) Hartl and insularis Gamisans. The latter occurs only in Corsica.
It is an annual herb with procumbent climbing stems up to 60 centimeters (24 in) long. The stems are green to purplish, round, with abundant spreading, wavy hairs 1 mm long (but forming a thick line along one side of the stem). The leaves are opposite, becoming alternate higher up the stem, with 4–15 mm long petioles and no stipules. The blades are divided shallowly into 5 lobes, like ivy, (sometimes 3–7 lobes or entire), darker above than below, up to 1.5 cm long, and are downy above and below with long hairs on the margins.
The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils on pedicels up to 18 mm long. The calyx has four triangular lobes which expand after flowering. There are 4–5 pale lilac petals, 2 mm long, with darker veins. There are 2 stamens, with blue anthers, and one style. The fruits are glabrous, 2-celled (sometimes 1–3) capsules.
In Britain, it is mainly associated with inhabited areas, being common in towns and villages where it grows in gardens, hedges, road sides and on waste ground. It is also found, less commonly, in arable fields and more wild places. It is a lowland plant; its maximum recorded altitude was 380 m at Malham Moor in Yorkshire (although that was in 1888, so it might have been an atypical occurrence).
II. How to Grow and Care
Ivy-leaved speedwell is a ground-covering plant with minimal care requirements, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels. It thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun, adapting to a range of environments. Special care points include ensuring adequate space for ivy-leaved speedwell to spread and moderate watering to maintain slightly moist soil without waterlogging. Regular weeding may be necessary to prevent ivy-leaved speedwell from competing with other plants.
Sunlight
Ivy-leaved speedwell thrives best under full sun conditions, where it can receive unfiltered light for most of the day. The prolonged exposure to bright light significantly enhances ivy-leaved speedwell’s growth and flowering potential, promoting robust health. However, ivy-leaved speedwell has a notable adaptability and can tolerate partial sun, though the intensity of its blooms and overall vitality might be reduced under such conditions. When grown outdoors, ivy-leaved speedwell should be planted in areas that are exposed to ample sunlight for the majority of the day, avoiding heavily shaded spots to ensure optimal development.
Temperature
Ivy-leaved speedwell , native to temperate Asia and Northern Europe, prefers a warm growth environment, and is relatively cold-resistant. It is suitable for growing in the temperature range of 15 to 25 ℃. It should be noted that overwatering should be avoided in winter.
Watering
Ivy-leaved speedwell thrives in environments that mimic its native temperate zones, where consistent moisture is common. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil conditions without being waterlogged. Its watering regimen aligns with a once every week schedule to maintain the desired soil moisture level. Ivy-leaved speedwell is typically cultivated outdoors and as an herbaceous plant, it benefits significantly from rainwater during its active growth season, which naturally supports its hydration needs.
Soil
Ivy-leaved speedwell is suitable for growing in fertile, thick, but well-drained sandy soil with an appropriate pH of 5.8 to 7.5. The mixed soil is better and can ensure good permeability. It cannot live in the soil with excessive moisture. In particular, excessive soil moisture should be avoided in winter. The cultivating soil should be well drained and can be mixed with clay, wood fibers such as bark and coconut bran, and sand at the ratio of 3:2:2:2.
Fertilizing
Ivy-leaved speedwell does not require much fertilizer, so applying a little is fine. After it enters the growth period, it is necessary to apply a small amount of water-soluble compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at the ratio of 20-10-20. In order to promote the flowering, when ivy-leaved speedwell is about to enter the flowering period, it is necessary to apply water-soluble compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at the ratio of 10-30-20, generally 10 to 15 days before the flowering period.
Fertilizer can be reduced after early fall, as its growth speed begins to slow. Fertilization is not required in the recovery period because the nutrient absorbing ability of the injured root system is weak. Too much fertilizer can lead to an injured root system or slow growth.
Planting Instructions
Ivy-leaved speedwell can be propagated by its seeds, and the seeds can be sown flowerpots or gardens. If sown in a flowerpot, it can be done in early spring. Fill the flowerpot with cultivable soil, fill a little water in a shallow pan, and place the pan at the bottom of the flowerpot, so that the water permeates the soil thoroughly and makes it moist. Spread the seeds on the soil, cover with another layer of fine soil, and finally cover the flowerpot with cling film or a glass plate. The seeds will germinate in about 20 days at 20 ℃. When the seedlings grow up, you can transplant them where you want.
If sown in a garden, it should be done later, from mid-spring to late spring. After sowing, water it once and cover the surface with plastic film. The seeds can germinate in about 30 days. It is best to have appropriate shade after sowing to avoid sun exposure.
Pruning
The withered flowers of ivy-leaved speedwell will not fall off from the flowering branches automatically, but still stay on the flowering branches. It is recommended that remnant flowers be removed in time to keep the plant look good, as well as to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption, promoting the growth of underground parts.
Pruning should be done in the morning on sunny and dry days. When pruning, cut the flowering branch at the base where the last flower is in close proximity to it. Mastering the time of pruning can regulate the flowering period. In general, ivy-leaved speedwell will bloom again in 20 days after pruning. After winter, when the ground temperature rises to above 0 ℃, almost early spring, the withered and yellowed parts overground should be pruned, so that it begins its growth in the new year.
Propagation
Ivy-leaved speedwell’s ideal propagation period is Spring, typically achieved through sowing. Its propagation is relatively easy, with successful growth indicated by emerging seedlings. Since its preferred method is sowing, no additional propagation tips are needed.
Transplanting
For ivy-leaved speedwell, the apex of the growing season—late spring to mid-summer—is ideal, ensuring warmth for root establishment. Choose semi-shaded locations with moist soil. A friendly tip: acclimatize ivy-leaved speedwell to outdoor conditions gradually to reduce transplant shock.
III. Harvesting and Storage
If 20%-30% flowers on each spica of ivy-leaved speedwell bloom, the spica can be cut off for appreciation. For the cut spica, the vase life is about 8 to 14 days. When harvesting, sharp garden shears are recommended to cut to the base of the flowering branches, and then prune the flowering branches at an angle of 45° to increase the water absorption area. Put the cut branches in a vase with clean water in time to avoid water loss.