Veronica filamentous, or filamentous, is the most delicate herbaceous plant. This is a perennial with airy white or bluish flowers. Many gardeners simply fight such a plant, expelling it from their site. It is extremely difficult to care for these flowers, especially to keep them in a certain growing area - the perennial is actively growing, turning into almost a real problem. Such energy in the growth and vitality of the plant can be directed in the right direction and used to its advantage.
Veronica filamentous: plant features
Veronica filamentous belongs to the Norichnikov family. This is a herbaceous plant with creeping shoots that almost instantly take root in the ground.
The plant is soil-rooted, low; creeps along the ground. The leaves are small, rounded, the flowers are white or blue-blue. The plant easily tolerates heat, grows in open sunny areas, but feels more comfortable in partial shade or in a completely shaded area.
On that amazing view plants are rightly labeled a “terrible aggressor.” When growing such a plant on your site, be prepared for the fact that it will spread throughout the yard with huge flowering spots, hide uneven landscapes, and grow between the tiles on the paths. So, to which group should this natural “decorator” be classified: weeds or cultivated flower plants?
As in wildlife, Veronica filiform (photo can be seen in the article) prefers areas where trees (forest, fruit) and berry bushes grow. She loves the shade. This plant, actively growing, is ready to fill the entire yard, garden and beds, but if you properly care for it and do not give freedom to the reproduction of flowers, then this process is quite possible to control.
Agricultural technology is simple, because it fast growing plant so tenacious that it does not require special growing conditions. But it’s still worth getting acquainted with the system of planting and caring for Veronica filamentous.
The plant thrives in areas with moderately moist soil, but also tolerates drought well. That is why to create special conditions There is no need to care for flowers. Veronica filamentosa is a plant that takes care of itself, and it is capable of being quite competitive in the fight against its neighbors. Even dandelions cannot stand the onslaught of an aggressive herbaceous plant.
Agricultural technology
The plant is unpretentious, so special skills in growing these flowers are not required. Veronica filamentous (or creeping) is able to adapt to growing in any conditions. The grass is unpretentious to soil. Most types of speedwell - moisture-loving plants, but they treat short-term drought calmly and easily tolerate it.
In Russia, the plant easily survives, being frost-resistant and easily tolerating the harsh Russian frosts. Although some of the species are more delicate, for example, Veronica branched. There is a need to cover them with spruce branches for the winter.
Important! The shoots are cut and removed only after the plant has finished flowering.
After planting the plants, periodically weed the flowers, otherwise they will become wild. Veronica is fertilized twice a season.
Reproduction of Veronica filamentous
There are several ways to propagate the plant.
Seeds
Sowing of the material is carried out late autumn. Flowering occurs 24 months after planting Veronica filamentous plants. Seeds in case spring sowing are amenable to stratification - a procedure that consists of creating an artificial temperature difference necessary for normal seed germination.
The process of growing a plant from seeds looks like this:
- Prepare garden pot with drainage substrate.
- The seeds are laid out on the surface, sprinkled on top a small amount land.
- The crops are sprayed with water. The top is covered with a film with small holes that allow the seeds to gain access to oxygen.
- The pot with planting material is placed in a cooler place in order to create special conditions for seed germination (for example, in the refrigerator), where they are kept for the next 3 weeks.
- After this period, the container is moved to a well-lit, warm place and wait for the first shoots, which begin to hatch 2 weeks after the temperature change. Care for seedlings using the standard method.
Veronica filamentous seeds are freely available and can be purchased at any specialized store.
By division
Shoots with a healthy and well-developed root system are divided and planted as separate units. The procedure is usually carried out in early spring.
By cuttings
For reproduction in this way it is used planting material in the form of young shoots. The cut cuttings are placed in a container with water until the root shoots germinate or simply placed in the ground, where they take root on their own, which usually happens 10-14 days after transplantation. After this, the plant is transplanted from the container to an open area of soil.
Of all the above plant methods, gardeners note the latter as one of the most convenient and effective ways to propagate veronica filamentous, planting and caring for which is not difficult.
Place of plants in landscape design compositions
Sometimes a plant self-seeds on an area and does not have to be planted. The grass grows instantly. Amazing beauty most delicate plant- Veronica threadlike. You don’t have to buy herbaceous plants for open ground, or look for seeds in garden stores, but bring them from the flowers’ usual habitat: forests or meadows. It is often used as a design element, especially in cases where the site is to be decorated in a relaxed natural style.
These can easily be planted under berry beds, fruit trees. There is no reason to worry that the grass will draw out all the beneficial substances from the soil and the cultivated plants themselves. Such an improvised carpet in the garden will help keep the fruits falling from the trees safe and sound. In hot summers, the plant retains moisture in the soil longer, protecting it from overheating, so the trees and bushes growing around receive more nutrients and moisture.
The herbaceous plant creates a living carpet under your feet, which is pleasant to walk on barefoot. This lawn covering is not only practical, but also beautiful. The small herbaceous plant can be easily cut with a lawn mower or trimmer. It should be noted that this plant is capable of suppressing the growth of weed species.
Important! An area abundantly overgrown with filamentous veronica looks impressive not only during the flowering period of the plant, but also after it ends. Light green leaves give the area fresh look, create coziness and additional comfort.
They look impressive growing between stones retaining walls rock garden bunches of filamentous veronica. But such compositions already need to be controlled, otherwise the grass will grow over the entire hill and simply ruin the landscape composition.
Features of caring for the area where filamentous grass grows
Veronica can be easily removed by hand if the plant grows too large or is simply unnecessary. There should be no problems with cleaning the lawn, unless Veronica has been growing there for more than one year and its roots are too intertwined. Then you will have to use garden tools, removing the flowers along with the top layer of soil. When carrying out such work, it is necessary to ensure that not a single shoot of filamentous or creeping speedwell remains in the soil, a photo of which can be seen in the article, otherwise the extremely fast-growing flowers will again fill the entire area.
The use of such a plant as landscape decoration will give the area tenderness and ease. Such a lawn or garden will look impressive, and individual landscape compositions- completed. By providing care and monitoring the growth of grass, you can control it, creating an amazingly beautiful composition.
The genus includes 300 species of speedwell, distributed throughout the world, very widely in Europe.
There are 150 species in Russia, most of them grow in the Caucasus. Veronica is represented by biennials, annuals and perennial herbs, sometimes subshrubs.
Types, varieties of Veronica
Perennial species used in gardening are:
Veronica Armenian
Asia Minor is considered its homeland.
A perennial that forms a thickened turf. Stems 10 cm long, recumbent or ascending, numerous. The leaves of Veronica Armenian are sessile, pinnately dissected. The racemes of Armenian speedwell are located in the leaf axils on short peduncles. The corolla is blue or pale lilac.
A fragrant plant, drought-resistant, beautiful with its strongly dissected leaves, and only blooms once. Also beautiful are Veronica of Armenian and seed pods. It reproduces well by dividing rhizomes and seeds. Unpretentious look, in demand among gardeners.
Veronica Armenian blooms in summer. In Russia, its seeds ripen late. The substrate is only alkaline, rocky, with a small amount of fertilized clay or river silt.
Used on large areas, on the terraces. Veronica Armenian is decorative in areas where there is a natural landscape.
Veronica is big
It grows in nature in Russia, Siberia, Western Europe, in the Mediterranean. In the forest fields.
Veronica has a large creeping, cord-like rhizome. Stems are single, straight, curly-hairy, thick, up to 70 cm tall. The foliage is opposite, sessile, ovate, glabrous above, curly-hairy below.
At the end of flowering, its shoots lie from the center to different sides, flowers appear along the periphery of the bush. Plants look best when they touch each other. Veronica large spends the winter without shelter. Can grow well in any soil. Moisture-loving. Sun-loving. Suitable for planting in mixed borders.
There are varieties that differ in flower coloring.
Veronica big "True Blue"- bush 60 cm in height, with blue flowers, blooms for 30 days.
Veronica big "Shirley Blue"- bush 50 cm, blue flowers, blooms in May.
Veronica gentian
In nature, it lives in the southern and middle regions of Russia, Crimea, Asia Minor and the Caucasus.
A low plant forming cushion-shaped bushes 45 cm in height. Rosette foliage is lanceolate, leathery, green. Flower shoots up to 70 cm in height. The inflorescences of Veronica gentian are multi-flowered and spike-shaped.
The flowers are whitish or pale blue, with blue veins. An adult plant has a short horizontal rhizome. Most of the rosette leaves overwinter. Foliage appears in early May. Veronica gentian blooms in June. Decorative until frost. Bears fruit.
Winter-hardy without any shelter. Photophilous. Veronica gentian grows in any garden soil. It reproduces vegetatively. Perfect for planting large rockeries on terraces.
Speedwell gentian has a "Variegata" form with white-edged foliage and blue flowers.
Veronica dubravnaya
Veronica oakwood grows in fields, on forest edges, in gardens throughout Europe, and in Siberia.
A low 40 cm tall plant with a creeping rhizome. The leaves of Veronica dubrava are round-ovate, opposite, sessile. Loose brushes are located in the axils of the upper foliage.
The flowers are large for small plant: 10 mm in diameter, blue or bright blue (pink flowers are less common).
Veronica dubrava propagates by seeds and vegetatively. It overwinters with green foliage and continues to function after the snow melts.
Veronica Kolosovaya
Grows in Russia and Western Europe.
Veronica spica 40 cm in height. Stems are solitary. The lower foliage is ovate-rounded or oblong. Inflorescences are racemose, apical, dense. Speedwell flowers are bright blue, pink, white, purple.
Blooms in June for 35 days. Fruits abundantly and self-sows. Veronica spica is good in single planting. Winter-hardy. Suitable for decorating mixborders.
Has varieties:
"Romilie Purple" - dark purple;
"Blue Peter" - blue flowers;
"Barcarolle" - pink;
"Red Fox" - dark pink;
"Heidekind" - pink-raspberry;
"Rotfishes" - pale cream flowers.
Veronica officinalis
Grows in the Caucasus, Asia Minor, Europe, Veronica officinalis grows on forest glades, in forests.
A perennial plant with a creeping stem. The stems are numerous, recumbent, forming a low mat 10 cm in height. The leaves of Veronica officinalis are green, ovate. Flowers in short racemes. Blooms in June.
Veronica officinalis propagates by seeds, cuttings and rooted shoots. Veronica officinalis can be grown as an ornamental foliage plant due to its small flowers.
You can make low rugs from it. Can be planted on poor, sandy soils, in open areas, and in slight shade.
Speedwell threadlike
Veronica filamentous is widespread in Europe in mountain meadows.
This low, perennial plant has long, thin, creeping stems covered with green, rounded leaves. The bluish flowers rise on tall stalks. There are forms with snow-white and blue flowers. It begins to bloom in April. The stems, touching the ground, take root, which is why light green carpets appear.
Veronica threadlike is unpretentious, and even aggressive. It is often a weed on lawns. It is winter-hardy, but can freeze out in severe winters, then quickly recovers. Very effective on poor soils in partial shade. This veronica is suitable for securing slopes. Good for creating thick carpets.
Veronica prostrate
Grows in forest glades in Central Europe and Siberia.
A grey-green herbaceous plant that forms a carpet with a tap root. Veronica prostrata has numerous stems, the barren ones are recumbent, and the flowering ones are ascending.
The flowers are blue-lilac or blue. There are varieties "Alba" with snow-white flowers, "Pallida" with blue flowers and "Rosa" with pink flowers.
Can grow on any soil. Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Winter-hardy. Suitable for creating curtains, planting on terraces of rocky gardens.
A plant resistant to harsh winters, speedwell, is grown both in decorative purposes, and for preparing medicinal decoctions. In total, more than 500 species are known for garden planting. There is no such diversity in nature, but there are also quite a few wild species. There are perennial, annual and shrub species, each of which is diluted with varietal diversity.
Despite its belonging to the plantain family, its appearance is very different from its main representative, the plantain. Veronica is common in areas with temperate climate, found in the foothills of Altai, in the forests of Siberia and the Urals. Its spikelets decorate meadows all over the world, and gardeners love it for its ease of care and ability to get along with other plants.
Features of Veronica agricultural technology: cultivation and care
Veronica is loved by gardeners for its unpretentiousness, lack of special techniques, and variety of species and varieties. If Veronica is chosen as the resident of the flowerbed, then you should remember the basic rules for any perennial plant.
Important requirements that cannot be avoided:
- The sunny side of the site, where light will be present from morning to evening. Shady and semi-shaded areas will not provide those decorative properties, which are declared by breeders.
- Pay attention to watering: each type requires a certain amount of water. When breeding Veronica, you need to get acquainted not only with its decorative value, but also with its care conditions. Herbaceous creeping species do not tolerate drought, die without water, and flowering stops. Erect, tall species can easily tolerate drought and heat.
- Liquids serve as fertilizer organic fertilizers during the period of budding and flowering. In nature and wild breeding it does well without additional feeding. Nutrients There is enough soil for growth and flowering. Flowerbeds with depleted soil can be fed with organic matter: humus, manure, infusion of nettle and burdock.
- Tall bushes need a garter. The thin stem cannot withstand the pressure of the wind, which can not only tilt downward, depriving it of its aesthetic appearance, but also break it. Twigs, a picket fence, and willow branches will do.
- In autumn after flowering ends ground part cut, the roots are additionally covered with humus, peat, dry leaves, spruce branches, creating a cushion that will protect against abnormal low temperatures.
Veronica propagation methods
There are 3 methods used to breed Veronica:
- seminal;
- dividing the bush;
- cuttings.
Despite the troubles seed method, it is used when they want to get a healthy independent bush with pure varietal characteristics. This is also an opportunity to improve the health of planting material and increase its quantity quite cheaply.
The seeds are sown directly into the ground in the fall or in the spring, Veronica is grown on a windowsill in seedlings.
The densely sprouted plant is thinned out, creating gaps between the bushes from 20 to 50 cm, depending on the type. Tall plants need more space to grow.
How to grow veronica seedlings at home
In February, speedwell seeds are moistened and kept in the refrigerator in a wet cloth, wrapped in a bag, for about a month.
- We take out the ones that have been stratified in the refrigerator for planting already in March.
- Fill containers or cups with nutrient soil.
- Veronica seeds, although small, allow you to sow them one at a time, so don’t be lazy and place one seed in a cup or 5 cm apart in a container.
- Sprinkle with a thin layer of earth and moisten.
- Cover with film until shoots appear.
- When seedlings appear, remove the cover and place the seedlings on a light windowsill.
- Watering is carried out as the soil dries; there must be holes in the container to drain excess water.
- When the seedlings have 8-10 true leaves, they can be planted in the ground.
Before planting, seedlings are hardened, accustoming them to air and sun. This should be done one to two weeks before the planned landing, gradually increasing the time spent on the street to a full day.
Autumn planting of seeds in open ground subjects the seeds to stratification (cold test).
Spring sowing requires artificially created conditions of exposure to cold for 1-2 months. After which the seeds are immersed in the soil, no deeper than 2 cm, so that germination is not difficult.
Dividing the bush considered fast and in a convenient way reproduction. Flower stalks will appear in the first year of planting. Select the largest bush and separate several sprouts using a shovel or garden knife. After moving to a new place, the bushes are covered for successful adaptation. After ten days, the covering material is removed, allowing the bushes to grow independently. Usually the procedure is carried out before flowering, in spring, or after - in early autumn.
Propagation by cuttings passes by cutting a 10 cm long shoot from a healthy bush. It is allowed to germinate in water, after which it is planted in a permanent place.
You can keep the cuttings for several hours in a root solution and place them in nutrient soil for germination. But in this case, it is necessary to create greenhouse conditions by covering the cuttings plastic bag before rooting.
The procedure is performed in August, then the sprout will have time to strengthen in the ground before winter. Next year the bush will delight you with excellent flowering.
The beauty of Veronica, her species diversity Any gardener will love them.
Pest protection
Due to its natural endurance, Veronica is rarely affected by infections. Waterlogged soil or a shady area of the garden can provoke the appearance of downy mildew ( gray plaque on the leaves). For treatment, a fungicidal solution is prepared from the preparations Fitosporin, Alirin-B, Gamair.
Eliminating the diseased plant and treating the flower bed with nematicides will help fight the ring spot virus. The carriers of the virus are nematodes that live in the soil. Yellow, curled foliage is a sign of soil damage by nematodes, and the plants have ring spot.
Among insect pests, you can most often find caterpillars that eat foliage and young shoots. Warming up the soil, timely weeding, and a break in watering will save you from them. Less common are cutworms, moths, and long-whiskered moths, which can be treated with insecticides.
Description of the Veronica veronica plant, origin
Veronica is difficult to confuse with other plants due to the combination of characteristics of nettle, plantain and bells. If you look at Veronica from afar, it is not very bright, but resembles a solid carpet. Therefore, when creating garden decor, they use not one plant, but several at once, diluting the green mass with bright spots.
Root system. Each type of speedwell has its own differences in the type of rhizomes:
- filamentous with a superficial location;
- thick with shallow germination;
- thin mesh, occupying a large underground area.
Perennial bushes have a deep root that can withstand low winter temperatures.
Annual species differ in more delicate roots: thread-like and superficial.
Stems. Veronica has a long, dense, cylindrical stem. Some species have an erect ground part, others have a creeping part. Depending on the location of the stems, the plant represents its decorative value. The strong weave of fibers allows it to withstand weight loads when humans or animals walk. It will not be possible to break off or tear off part of the bush, only with the use of a tool.
Leaves. Externally, the leaf blade resembles nettle: oval with a carved edge, and has small hairs. Unlike nettle, it does not leave burns and behaves friendly. The color range of the green mass is mostly bright green, although there are some gray. The leaves are arranged alternately or oppositely on the stem, rarely in whorls.
Flowers. Natural color– deep blue, in garden culture you can find white, blue, lilac, purple shades. The inflorescence is a spikelet with a dense arrangement of small flowers on it, bell-shaped with a carved edge. They bloom alternately from bottom to top, so flowering lasts for a long time. The lower ones form seed pods, while the upper ones continue to bloom.
Because of its nature, the grass is popularly called snake grass or Veronica grass. IN fiction you can find the name “goat face” or “blue face”. Some species are similar to forget-me-nots, so this name also stuck with Veronica.
All garden varieties produced from wild species. The combination of decorative properties and natural endurance has made the species the most numerous in the plantain family.
Types and varieties of Veronica with descriptions and photos
Prevalence throughout to the globe allowed to adapt to any natural and climatic conditions. Some species are named after their place of growth, and varietal names are more reminiscent of a description external signs. The remoteness of the places where Veronica is domesticated provides an explanation for such significant species differences. There are low and tall plants, with a long erect stem or short up to 30 cm, shrubby with a strong stem or herbaceous thread-like stems.
Veronica Armenian Veronica armena
with their own blue flowers more reminiscent of forget-me-nots, the same open five-leaf inflorescences. Mountain slopes and abrupt change temperature conditions left their mark on appearance Veronica. The plant is low-growing, creeping, green mass fills the entire space of the flowerbed. The needle-shaped leaves create the image of a fluffy carpet, with blue flowers glowing on top in a bright pattern.
Armenian speedwell grows up to 10 cm. This size allows it to withstand the wind, small area The sheet plate prevents moisture from quickly evaporating and protects it from fading in the sun. Big varietal diversity allows you to select color scheme.
Veronica Caucasica Veronica caucasica
The leaves and stem are deep green, the lower part of the plant is darker than the upper. The leaves are small, elongated with jagged edges. They are located in the axils in several pieces, distributed evenly along the stem. The flowers are pastel in color, mostly lilac or lilac color with thin purple veins. Rocky soil is well suited for growing, so the flower can be used in the design of alpine slides.
Low sizes are resistant to windy weather. The creeping, strong stem quickly recovers after being crushed and is resistant to trampling. Can't stand it chernozem soil, this is taken into account when preparing the flower bed.
Veronica large or broadleaf Veronica teucrium
A plant up to 70 cm high with an erect stem covered with small hairs. In the wild it is found in the fields of Siberia, the Middle Urals, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean. Loves fertile soils and is resistant to weather instability.
The root system is strong, creeping, and can withstand low winter temperatures. The leaves are double-sided: smooth on top, covered with hairs below, like on a stem. The flowers are collected in a panicle and located on top of the stem. The color range is presented in shades of pink and purple.
The most famous varieties:
- "True Blue" up to 60 cm high with a flowering period of 30 days;
- "Shirley Blue" at favorable conditions reaches 50 cm, blooms in May to mid-June, then used as a green background for annuals.
Veronica gentianoides
White Veronica gentianoides variety Veronica gentianoides ‘Tissington White’ photo
Low-growing plant with a long flowering period. It begins to bloom at the beginning of summer, and ends flowering by the end of summer; under favorable conditions, it continues to bloom until mid-September. The flowers are white, lined with blue stripes. From a distance it acquires a bluish tint; upon close examination, distinct blue veins are visible. The main leaf mass is located at the base of the bush; small adjacent leaves are located in pairs along the stem. The color is silvery-green, the edge of the leaf is framed by a light border.
The flower does not tolerate waterlogged soil; more often it is planted in a flowerbed alone, without a companion. Looks advantageous on a sandy or pebble base.
Veronica woody Veronica surculosa
Veronica woody variety Veronica surculosa ‘Waterperry Blue’ photo
A plant with a strong creeping stem that becomes woody after winter. Loves well-drained soils and is not afraid of low temperatures, but in harsh climates it is better to protect it from freezing.
A perennial whose flowers bloom in early July and delight with their beauty until mid-September. The color of the petals ranges from deep pink to purple, with bright and pastel colors.
Veronica Crimean Veronica taurica
Its bright blue flowers on a dark green background are visible from afar. Therefore, it is planted in rocky background conditions. Many gardeners prefer to plant Crimean speedwell along the edge of the flowerbed, decorating borders and paths. It prefers a mild climate without temperature changes, so in regions with variable climates it is better to grow as an annual.
Veronica filiformis
It belongs to the spring primroses, which blooms at the end of April and blooms before the onset of heat, until about mid-May. It is better to grow with a companion, when the foliage will act as a background for bright colors annuals. Goes great with asters annual dahlias, gerberas, better than low-growing varieties.
During the flowering period, a soft green carpet is covered light blue flowers, some of which may bloom before the end of spring. It is advisable to remove faded buds to maintain a neat appearance.
Veronica gray Veronica incana
The most unusual among Veronicas. Its silvery leaves and stem will dilute the color scheme of the garden and add dynamics. Intense blue flowers are collected in a tall panicle at the top. It begins to bloom from July to the end of summer.
Speedwell Veronica peduncularis
Veronica pedicel variety Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ photo
The herbaceous perennial plant blooms with blue four-petaled flowers, the middle of which is yellow. From a distance they resemble forget-me-nots or violets. The bush is tall, up to 70 cm, blooms profusely.
Veronica longifolia Veronica longifolia
The species is characterized tall bushes, up to 1.5 m, with a thin long stem, branching from above into several flower-bearing panicles. The inflorescences themselves are tall, flowering begins from the bottom, reaching the top by September. Shades range from purple to bluish and blue. More suitable for growing with wildflowers, on large plantations, and decorating wild lawns.
Veronica officinalis Veronica officinalis
Common perennial in the regions middle zone Russia and East Asia. It is noticeable due to its soft lilac or blue flowers and soft green leaves collected in bunches.
Veronica officinalis and longifolia have not only decorative value, but also medicinal properties. They are used as an anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and choleretic agent. One-component decoctions and drinks are prepared and as part of preparations.
Veronica vulgare increases blood circulation, restores cognitive functions: improves memory, concentrates attention.
Veronica hybrid - a luxurious garden decoration
Perhaps many people have come across this flower in a meadow or forest clearing. Veronica plant is quite cute, has inflorescences of bluish or blue shades. Due to the fact that certain species are often found in nature, they cannot be found in garden plots.
Considered quite famous plant, varieties of which can be seen in different parts of the world. This is explained by its unpretentiousness and its resistance to dry periods, which makes it possible to survive in many climatic zones.
The flower does not present special requirements to the soil composition, it feels equally comfortable on sand, clay and even swamp soil. At first, the plant was considered an adornment of mountains and forests; a little later it began to be used as decorative flowers.
As soon as Veronica became a cultivated plant, it was taken as the basis for breeding new varieties used in gardening. Mankind has known the flower for a long time, as it is considered a plant with medicinal properties.
The most beautiful type of flower is Veronica Bolshaya. This is a perennial that forms thick shoots, the height of which reaches fifty and sometimes seventy centimeters. On them are placed opposite leaves, their jagged shapes reminiscent of testicles.
The sparsely planted plant forms darkish bushes with its shoots that resemble domes. With the end of spring and until the very middle of the summer season, the top of such a bush turns bright blue.. It's blossoming a large number of flowers whose diameter does not exceed one and a half centimeters. Because of the beautiful appearance of the inflorescences, it is often called Royal Veronica.
The most famous varieties
From the huge number of popular flower species, the following plants can be distinguished:
Medicinal
It grows in wooded areas. Distinctive features are low-growing stems that spread like a carpet.. They have pale green leaves and purple inflorescences.
Branched
The main habitat is mountainous areas. Looks like low thickets covered with inflorescences of blue and pink shades. This variety is demanding in terms of care. It is difficult to tolerate drought and can freeze in winter.
Dubravnaya
Found in Siberia, the Caucasus Mountains, European countries. A low-growing perennial plant that produces serrated leaves that remain green even in winter season . Veronica oak grove blooms in blue, blue and even pink shades.
Small
The look is quite unique. His features– short stature, small leaves, inflorescences of lilac and blue shades. This variety is quite whimsical; only experienced gardeners are engaged in its cultivation;
Woody
Low growing perennial. Forms creeping stems covered with numerous foliage. IN winter time without snow cover it can freeze.
Planting and care
Although the flower is unpretentious, it requires moderate watering. Excessive moisture can cause its death.. Caring for the flower is not difficult; any soil is suitable for planting.
It feels most comfortable at a temperature range of 14 to 20 degrees Celsius.
There are a considerable number of varieties known that can grow well in the dry season. Plants need water most in the spring, before flowering begins.. By the time the first inflorescences open, watering must be stopped.
Pruning is done after the flower has faded. This measure will an excellent stimulant for the formation of young foliage.
Veronica reproduces in several ways:
- division of rhizomes;
- cuttings;
- seeds.
When growing such a flower, gardeners give preference to a suitable option.
Sowing is carried out in the fall. But it is also possible to sow in the spring, if the seed fund is first stratified.
Cuttings are recommended to be done in summer. By this time, young stems are being prepared. They are then placed in soil or water to allow roots to form. After this, the seedlings are allowed to be transferred to open ground.
Dividing the rhizome is the most popular method of propagating veronica.. The fact is that it does not involve costs, and the survival rate is high. This type of breeding is recommended in spring or autumn.
To begin with, the stems are removed and the bush is dug up. The roots are cut with a knife or spatula.
Divide the bush into equal parts so that there are at least three shoots on the first root. Having completed the procedure, it is necessary to immediately plant it in the ground.
Useful qualities
The medicinal properties of the plant have been known since ancient times. Veronica has long been used as a remedy to cure various diseases.
Of particular value are the tops of the stems with leaves and inflorescences.. Harvesting is carried out with the onset of summer, when flowering is at its peak. Drying time must be reduced to a minimum, for which purpose it is created temperature regime at forty degrees. This allows you to reduce losses and preserve the color shade. If everything is done correctly, Veronica will retain its healing properties for two years.
Besides, used as ornamental plant to decorate the garden area.
Veronica is grown today in any type of soil composition. But the plant feels best on loamy soil. It requires a sufficient amount of light, although shaded areas are suitable for breeding.
- This is done during the period when the plant is not blooming. But you can also plant them in the summer.
- To do this, dig up a plant, separate it with a shovel and plant it. If the weather at this time is dry and hot, then you can cut off the flowering part.
- Then cover the transplanted plants with jars or trimmed plastic bottles with the cap unscrewed. This mini-greenhouse can be used for up to a week and a half.
- Delenki take root well in peat and sand.
- Planted at a distance of half a meter for large species, 40 cm for medium and 30 cm for small species.
Veronica cuttings:
- For propagation, they are harvested in mid-summer. Length 10 cm.
- Cut off the top and inflorescences.
- Root in a mixture of peat and sand.
Veronica uses:
- For decorative purposes.
- As a honey plant.
- As a medicinal plant.
Longleaf is considered the best honey plant among all speedwells. There is information that the honey yield from the area where it grows as a continuous cover can be up to 100 kg/ha. Speedwell nectar contains up to 40% sugar. But some beekeepers consider it only an additional honey plant.
Veronica is usually used to fill voids in ready flowerbed. Veronica is posted by:
- In flower beds, rock gardens, borders.
- In separate groups in the garden.
- Near the pond. The meadow with flowers looks like a continuation of its surface.
The best species for use in landscape design are speedwells:
- Allioni.
- Alpine.
- Armenian ( alpine coaster), flowers measuring 5 mm.
- Austrian (lawns, terraces, rockeries).
- Veronica of low varieties is planted in the foreground in ordinary flower beds, rock gardens, and rockeries. High grades planted in mixborders.
- Goes well with any plants with large flowers:, daylilies, meadowsweet, cornflower.
- Speedwell is grown in pots.
- The long leaf is used in bouquets.
Veronica, planted as a lawn in the garden, is working to improve the soil structure. It becomes more loose. This is advisable to do in gardens where a regular lawn is too much trouble. It needs to be mowed constantly, unlike veronica.
Medical properties of the plant
Veronica officinalis is known for its healing properties from a long time ago. It is mainly used in folk medicine. In Europe, the plant is used to make medicine. Used in homeopathy. Previously, it was used to treat the stomach, lungs and kidneys. Nowadays they drink decoctions and infusions for colds, and gargle with them for sore throats and lesions of the oral mucosa. They improve appetite and digestion. Therefore, they are used to treat the liver, kidney stones and gall bladder.
It is believed that medicines from veronica help treat exhaustion and relieve headaches.
Used internally for bleeding, externally - as antifungal agent. It is believed that the plant helps in the treatment of stomach cancer.
Used as medicinal and other veronicas:
- Veronica longifolia is used to treat skin diseases: panaritium, diaper rash, festering wounds. Used to treat colds, kidney, liver, eye diseases, and uterine bleeding.
- In addition to these diseases, gray is used for bites of snakes and dogs with suspected rabies.
- In Siberia, these diseases are treated with infusions of key and fake.
- Persian speedwell grows in Tajikistan. An infusion of its leaves treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- On Far East Veronica false key and scutellum are used for treatment.
The strong scent of speedwell flowers attracts insects, including bees and wasps. In order not to suffer from their bites, it is better to plant Veronica away from the front door.
More information can be found in the video:
