Bastard Speedwell: A European Perennial Finding Its Way in American Gardens
With a name that might make you chuckle (or blush), bastard speedwell is one of those plants that proves you can’t judge a species by its moniker. This small but charming perennial has quietly established itself in parts of New England, bringing a touch of Old World character to American gardens.
What Is Bastard Speedwell?
Bastard speedwell (Pseudolysimachion spurium) is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the plantain family. You might also see it listed under its old botanical name, Veronica spuria. This compact forb produces delicate spikes of small blue to purple flowers and maintains a tidy, low-growing habit that makes it quite appealing to gardeners looking for well-behaved ground cover options.
Native Status and Geographic Distribution
Let’s get one thing straight: bastard speedwell isn’t a native North American plant. This European and Asian native has made itself at home in parts of New England, particularly New Hampshire and Vermont, where it reproduces on its own in the wild. While it’s established itself as a naturalized species, it hasn’t shown signs of aggressive invasive behavior in these regions.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
What makes bastard speedwell worth considering for your garden? Its charm lies in its modest but reliable performance. The plant produces narrow, somewhat succulent-looking leaves and sends up slender flower spikes that attract small pollinators like bees and beneficial insects. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Rock gardens where its compact size shines
- Perennial borders as a neat edging plant
- Naturalized areas where it can spread gently
- Drought-tolerant garden sections
Growing Conditions and Care
One of bastard speedwell’s best qualities is its easygoing nature. This perennial thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for much of the northern United States. Here’s what it needs to flourish:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (though it flowers best with good light)
- Soil: Well-drained soil of average fertility – it’s not picky about soil type
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during dry spells
- Maintenance: Very low maintenance – just cut back spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms
Planting and Propagation
Bastard speedwell is refreshingly straightforward to grow. Plant it in spring after the last frost, spacing plants about 12-15 inches apart. The plant may self-seed in favorable conditions, which can be either a blessing or something to manage depending on your garden goals. Division in early spring or fall is the most reliable way to propagate it if you want more plants in specific locations.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While not native, bastard speedwell does provide some benefits to local wildlife. Its small flowers attract tiny bees, hover flies, and other beneficial insects. However, it’s worth noting that native plants typically provide much more comprehensive ecosystem support.
Should You Plant It?
Bastard speedwell falls into that interesting category of non-native plants that aren’t problematic but aren’t necessarily the best choice for wildlife-focused gardens. If you’re drawn to its neat habit and reliable blooms, it can certainly earn its place in rock gardens or low-maintenance perennial plantings.
However, if you’re prioritizing native plants (and we always encourage this!), consider these native alternatives that offer similar garden roles:
- Wild bergamot for pollinator appeal
- Native sedges for low-growing texture
- Wild ginger for shaded ground cover
- Native asters for late-season color
The Bottom Line
Bastard speedwell won’t win any awards for the most exciting garden plant, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need – a reliable, low-maintenance perennial that quietly does its job without causing drama. Just remember that while it’s not invasive in its current range, choosing native plants whenever possible gives your local ecosystem the biggest boost. If you do decide to grow it, you’ll find it’s a perfectly pleasant garden companion that asks for very little and delivers consistent, if modest, rewards.
