Red speedwell is a very popular garden perennial that is also suitable as a ground cover. The violet-blue flowers are very decorative. Caring for this native speedwell species is very easy. This is how you properly care for the Spiked Speedwell.
How do you properly care for the speedwell?
Red speedwell requires little care: only water in the hot summer months, fertilize in spring and summer with ripe compost or horn shavings, cut back after flowering and pay attention to waterlogging. Aphids may occasionally appear.
How do you water Horned Speedwell correctly?
Red speedwell copes well with short dry periods. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogging at all. Only water in hot summer months.
When and is fertilization done?
Like all speedwell species, common speedwell is not very demanding. It needs few nutrients.
Sprinkle something in spring and summer
- mature compost
- Guano
- Horn shavings
- Bone meal
between the plants. This ensures the supply of nutrients. Do not use chemical fertilizers to avoid over-fertilizing the speedwell.
Does the speedwell need to be cut?
You should cut back the speedwell immediately after flowering. This means they achieve a second flowering period in early autumn.
Before winter, cut the speedwell back completely.
Can speedwell be transplanted?
You can transplant speedwell like all perennials in autumn or spring. Dig up the root ball generously. You can pierce very large bales with a spade and gain additional plants.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
Illnesses hardly occur. The only major problem is too much moisture. When waterlogged, the roots rot and the speedwell dies. Therefore, only plant the perennial in well-drained soil or create drainage beforehand.
Veronica is occasionally attacked by aphids. Since washing or spraying with soft soap in the garden does not make sense, you should use commercially available sprays. It is even better to rely on natural enemies such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Does American speedwell need winter protection?
Red speedwell is hardy and does not need winter protection. You should only protect it from frost if you grow the perennial in a pot.
Place it in a location where it is protected from wind and rain.
Tip
Since speedwell is a native perennial, it is one of the ecologically valuable plants in the garden. The beautiful purple flowers attract many bees and other insects.
