Contents
Description
Veronica Epacridea, commonly known as heath speedwell, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Ericaceae. It is native to Australia and New Zealand, and is found in coastal heathlands, forest margins, and rocky outcrops. This plant has small leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs, and produces small pink or white flowers in the spring and summer. It is a great addition to rock gardens or as a ground cover, and is best grown in areas with mild winters and moderate rainfall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Veronica |
Appearance
Heath speedwell has small, oval-shaped leaves that are about 5 mm long and 2 mm wide. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and are a glossy green color. The plant grows to about 30 cm in height and 60 cm in width. In the spring and summer, heath speedwell produces small pink or white flowers that are about 5 mm in diameter. The flowers are arranged in spikes that can grow up to 10 cm long.
Care Guide
Heath speedwell is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Heath speedwell grows best in full sun or partial shade, and is hardy in zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Heath speedwell is generally pest-free, but can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by watering the plant at the base and not from above, and by providing good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Heath speedwell is native to coastal heathlands, forest margins, and rocky outcrops in Australia and New Zealand. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate rainfall, and is adapted to areas with mild winters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is heath speedwell a good ground cover?
A: Yes, heath speedwell is a great ground cover for areas with mild winters and moderate rainfall.
Q: Does heath speedwell attract pollinators?
A: Yes, heath speedwell produces small pink or white flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can heath speedwell tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, heath speedwell can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Q: Is heath speedwell invasive?
A: No, heath speedwell is not considered an invasive species.
Related Plants
- Veronica perfoliata
- Veronica serpyllifolia
- Veronica chamaedrys
References
- “Veronica Epacridea.” Australian Plants Online, www.australianplantsonline.com.au/veronica-epacridea.
- “Veronica Epacridea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k580.
- “Veronica Epacridea.” PlantNet, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Veronica~epacridea.
