Conversion(Veronica) is one of the most popular garden perennials thanks to its versatile use and problem-free cultivation. It blooms from spring until the first frost, embellishing the garden with abundant inflorescences ranging in color from white, through pink, to dark purple. We present the most interestingspecies and varieties of speedwellrecommended for gardens and we suggest whatcultivation, pruning and reproduction of speedwellsin amateur cultivation conditions.
Long-leaved speedwell - Veronica longif.webpolia
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Converter - application
The plant genus Speedwell(Veronica) includes over 200 species with varying requirements and appearance, and is widespread in many regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Depending on the species, speedwells can reach heights from a dozen or so to even 200 cm. Variegated flowers can grow individually in the leaf axils or form clusters that are loose or dense.
The speed of flowering species also differsfrom each other. The tall ones bloom later in July and last until frost, while the low varieties bloom from spring to late summer. Conveyors are valuable honey plants.
Convectors are great as cover plants , creating colorful, dense carpets. Also, container cultivation of these graceful plants does not cause any problems, thanks to whichspeedwells can add color to terraces and balconiesThe flowerbed is also used for cut flowers, as an element of floral decorations and bouquets.
Tall varieties of speedwellblend well with daylilies, magnificent hearts, delphiniums, slope, lavender or mossy sage. On the other hand,short varieties of speedwellare perfect plants for borders and rockeries. They will look good in the company of such plants as: thyme, sand thyme, fescue or small-leaved acena.
Speedwell - species and varieties
Among the manyspecies of speedwell cultivated in Polish gardens , a few deserve special attention. Both because of the ease of cultivation and the multitude of interesting varieties.
Spike converter - Veronica spicata
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Spearhead(Veronica spicata) - this species of speedwell occurs in Poland in a natural state in lowlands, dry slopes, under forests, less often in mountains. Reaches a height of several dozen cm.It is distinguished by egg-shaped, notched leaves at the edges and candle-shaped inflorescences appearing in summer. The spherical pulley grows best in sunny positions with well-drained and sandy soil. It is highly frost resistant (plant frost resistance zone 3).
Long-leaved speedwell - Veronica longif.webpolia
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Long-leaved speedwell(Veronica longif.webpolia) - grows up to 1 meter high and has unique, long-lasting inflorescences. It prefers sunny positions, with a permeable and fertile ground, acidic or slightly acidic. This speedway requires replanting or replacing the soil every 3 years.
The transducer sent out - Veronica prostrata
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Dispersed speedwell(Veronica prostrata) - is a creeping species with overlapping shoots reaching up to 30 cm in length.It grows best in warm, very permeable and moisture-retaining soils, with a pH close to neutral. This perennial is perfect for planting slopes, walls and rock gardens.
Bitterness speed - Veronica gentianoides
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Download this table in a printable version:
- Species and varieties of the speedwell (PDF)
Conversion - cultivation and requirements
The converters do not have high requirementsand grow well in sunny and semi-shaded positions. The best substrates for tall species are fertile, humus and moist soils, while the low varieties prefer dry, sandy and well-drained soils. All of the discussed species of speedwells are highly frost-resistant in our conditions, however, during significant temperature drops, the wheelbarrow should be protected with an additional layer of mulch or agrotextile.
Plants can be planted all year round, but the best timeplanting the speed wheel is mid-May. The recommended spacing for planting speedwells is 4-5 pieces per 1m².Place the plants at intervals of 30-40 cm.
The speedwell has low fertilization requirements, however, like any flowering plant, it responds well to fertilization.Fertilization of the speedwellcan be started after 3-4 years, when we notice that the plant grows or blooms less well. Throughout the summer, it is worth feeding the rollers with mineral fertilizers. In autumn (October) or spring (March), we can spread a 2.5 cm layer of mature compost around the plant, which will additionally provide protection against frosts.
Conveyor - trimming
Faded inflorescences of speedwellare removed on a regular basis in all species, regardless of their height, so that the plant blooms longer.Trimming the speedwell in summerby a third of the length of the shoots will make the plant bloom again. In autumn, the whole plant should be cut down, approx. 10 cm above the ground, to protect it from diseases.
Spike converter - Veronica spicata
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Conveyor - reproduction
We can multiply speedwellsin 3 ways:
- Sowing of speedwell seeds- seeds can be sown in 2 times, ie in autumn and in spring. They can be sown directly into the ground because they do not need particularly high temperatures for germination. They will begin to emerge after about two weeks. We do not cover the seeds.
- Speed cuttings- cuttings of low species are collected in August-September, and tall species in April-May. The seedlings should be taken from he althy plants and approx. 10 cm long. After removing the lower leaves, dip the tip of the seedling into the rooting plant and then plant it on the seedbed. Speedway cuttings should take root within 20-30 days. After rooting, we plant it permanently.Before the first winter, it is recommended to cover them with, for example, a garment or polypropylene fleece.
- Division of mature plants- the treatment is performed in early spring or after flowering (IV-VI). Usually the division is made immediately after the perennial is dug up. We divide the plant into parts so that each of them has several growth peaks. Then shorten the leaves and roots and plant the plants directly in a permanent place, after which we water abundantly.
Speed converter - diseases
All species of speedwell are extremely hardyand are rarely attacked by pests or diseases. In special cases, aphids may appear. After noticing these pests, we spray with a natural oil preparation Emulpar 940 EC or with insecticides such as: Karate Gold and Mospilan 20 SP.Bioczos BR (based on garlic extract) and Biosept Active (with grapefruit extract), as well as self-made extracts or decoctions of plants such as: nettle, horsetail, yarrow.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
