Contents
Description
Veronica Heartbreaker, also known as Speedwell, is a popular perennial plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is known for its attractive blue-purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. This plant can grow up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, making it perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Veronica |
Appearance
The leaves of Veronica Heartbreaker are narrow and lance-shaped, with a glossy green color. The flowers are small, tubular, and arranged in dense spikes that can grow up to 6 inches long. The blooms are typically blue-purple, but they can also be white, pink, or red. The plant has a mounding habit and can spread quickly if not contained.
Care Guide
Veronica Heartbreaker is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
Water
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
You can fertilize Veronica Heartbreaker with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
This plant grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
Veronica Heartbreaker prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Veronica Heartbreaker is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. It can also be attacked by spider mites and aphids.
Habitat
Veronica Heartbreaker is commonly found in meadows, woodland edges, and rocky areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Veronica Heartbreaker?
A: You should water this plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: Is Veronica Heartbreaker a low-maintenance plant?
A: Yes, this plant is easy to care for and is relatively pest and disease-resistant.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use on Veronica Heartbreaker?
A: You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Veronica Heartbreaker?
A: This plant can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, spider mites, and aphids.
Related Plants
- Veronica Spicata
- Veronicastrum Virginicum
- Veronica Longifolia
- Veronica Umbrosa
References
- “Veronica Spicata (Spike Speedwell).” Garden Design. Accessed July 12, 2021. https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/veronica-spicata.
- “Veronica longifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 12, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263379&isprofile=0&basic=veronica.
- “Veronica Heartbreaker.” Plant Finder. Accessed July 12, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3546/heartbreaker-speedwell/.
