Broadleaf Speedwell: A Hardy Ground Cover for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial that carpets the ground with cheerful blue flowers, broadleaf speedwell (Veronica austriaca) might just be the plant for you. This hardy little forb has been quietly making itself at home in gardens across North America, though it’s not originally from these parts.
What Is Broadleaf Speedwell?
Broadleaf speedwell is a perennial forb – that’s garden-speak for a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Unlike shrubs or trees, this plant stays relatively close to the ground and spreads by creeping stems to form attractive mats of foliage topped with spikes of small, vibrant flowers.
Origins and Where You’ll Find It
Originally hailing from Europe and western Asia, broadleaf speedwell has established itself as a non-native species across much of North America. You’ll find it growing wild in states and provinces including Manitoba, Ontario, Connecticut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Newfoundland.
Garden Appeal and Design Role
What makes broadleaf speedwell appealing to gardeners? Several things, actually:
- Dense spikes of small blue to purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer
- Low-growing, mat-forming habit perfect for ground cover
- Attractive foliage that stays neat throughout the growing season
- Excellent for filling in gaps in rock gardens and perennial borders
This plant works beautifully as edging for pathways, tucked between rocks in alpine gardens, or allowed to naturalize in cottage-style landscapes. Its spreading nature makes it particularly valuable for covering areas where grass struggles to grow.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of broadleaf speedwell’s best features is how easy it is to please. Here’s what this adaptable plant prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soils of average fertility
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, though it appreciates regular water during dry spells
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Getting broadleaf speedwell established in your garden is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading
- Water regularly the first year to help establish strong roots
- Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor
Benefits for Pollinators and Wildlife
While broadleaf speedwell may not be native, it does offer some benefits to local wildlife. The small flowers attract various beneficial insects, including small bees and butterflies, providing nectar during their blooming period. However, native alternatives typically offer more substantial ecological benefits.
Should You Plant Broadleaf Speedwell?
As a non-native species, broadleaf speedwell isn’t necessarily the first choice for wildlife-focused gardens, but it’s not considered invasive or problematic either. If you’re drawn to its reliable performance and attractive appearance, it can certainly have a place in your landscape.
However, if supporting native ecosystems is a priority, consider these native alternatives that offer similar ground-covering benefits:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded areas
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) for sunny rock gardens
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) for edible ground cover
- Native violets (Viola species) for early spring color
The choice is ultimately yours – broadleaf speedwell offers reliable performance and charming flowers, while native alternatives provide greater ecological value. Either way, you’ll have a lovely addition to your garden that’s sure to bring years of low-maintenance beauty.
