‘Diggers Speedwell’
Veronica perfoliata (syn Derwentia perfoliata) or ‘Diggers Speedwell’ as it is commonly called, is an attractive low growing clump forming shrub. Attractive foliage along with small lilac blue to purple flowers in spring.
This prostrate plant looks a lot like a very low growing eucalyptus and is often mistaken for such. It is a plant that will grow well beneath Eucalypts and much of its landscaping value comes from this characteristic.
It requires part shade, and a cool moist root run to perform well, but is a tough plant once established. Blue green foliage held tight to the stems is a year round attraction.
Veronica perfoliata Description
- Growth habit is usually as a multi-brached clump forming perennial sub shrub that will reach around 1.2m high and 1m plus spread.
- Flowers are tubular, pink to blue or lilac in colour.
- Found in Victoria, ACT and NSW mainly in highland areas. See also D. arenaria and V. derwentiana.
How To Grow Veronica perfoliata – Care and Cultivation
Best in the open garden to semi shade as it does not like humidity – well drained soil or containers. Grows naturally in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland areas.
A well drained humus rich soil is ideal, In containers use a good quality native pant potting mix. Avoid heavy clay soils. A neutral pH soil works well however this is not a fussy plant in terms od soil pH.
Mulch well around the plants for best results as this will suppress weeds reducing root competition as well as help retain some moisture.
Water in well and then water during any long dry periods.A deep watering is best, allowing the soil to dry a little between waterings.
Once established, this is regarded as a drought tolerant plant, it also tolerates frosts.
Landscaping Uses
- Veronica perfoliata grows naturally in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland areas.
- It can be grown in a pot or container, with both the foliage and flowers being attractive.
- It also makes a good ground cover plant in a native style garden.
- If growing as a ground cover space plants at around 1m apart, they will quickly fill the gaps.
- A white flowering variety Veronica perfoliate alba is also available, the white flowers providing different contrast against the foliage.
- Although it does not require a lot of fertilizer, you can use a low phosphorus slow release native plant in poorer soils.
Pruning Veronica perfoliata.
This is a plant that can be cut back after flowering to produce a neater more compact growth habit.
The old flower heads can be removed to help promote a bushy habit.
Older foliage can become a little scrappy over time, Pruning back to near the base of the plant is a good way to regenerate and refresh the foliage.
Summary
- Full Sun to Dappled Shade
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Prune back lightly after flowering to promote a more bushy habit.
- Fertiliser not generally required, use a slow release, low phosphate type in poor soils.
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Did You Know?
- Perfoliata refers to botanical structures where the base of a leaf surrounds the stem, appearing as if the stem pierces through the leaf. So the plant does not have leaf stalks (petioles).
- A hybrid V. armena x V. going under the name of ‘Tidal Pool’ is being called Prostrate Speedwell. This is a very different plant to Diggers Speedwell.
V. armena is from Eastern Europe and is very low growing.
Veronica pectinata is from Bulgaria through to Turkey and also known as Blue Wooly speedwell, again very low growing.