Dillenius’ Speedwell: A Small but Mighty Annual for Your Garden
Meet Dillenius’ speedwell (Veronica dillenii), a petite annual that’s been quietly making itself at home in gardens across several U.S. states. This unassuming little plant might not win any showiest flower contests, but it has its own modest charm that deserves a closer look.
What Exactly Is Dillenius’ Speedwell?
Dillenius’ speedwell is a non-native annual forb that originally hails from Europe. As a forb, it’s essentially an herbaceous plant without woody stems – think of it as the plant world’s version of a gentle, non-threatening neighbor who keeps a tidy yard. This little speedwell has established itself in Michigan, New York, Virginia, and Wisconsin, where it reproduces on its own without any human intervention.
The Look and Feel
Don’t expect dramatic garden theater from this one. Dillenius’ speedwell offers:
- Small, delicate blue flowers that add subtle color
- Compact, low-growing habit perfect for tucked-away spaces
- A refined, almost dainty appearance that works well in informal settings
- Self-seeding nature that can fill in gaps naturally
Where Does It Fit in Your Garden?
This speedwell isn’t your typical front-and-center showstopper. Instead, it excels as:
- Ground cover in naturalized areas
- A charming addition to rock gardens
- Filler in informal garden spaces
- A low-maintenance option for areas where you want something growing but don’t want to fuss
Growing Conditions and Care
Here’s where Dillenius’ speedwell really shines – it’s refreshingly low-maintenance. This annual thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and appreciates:
- Soil: Well-draining soil, though it’s quite tolerant of poor conditions
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate moisture, but drought-tolerant once established
- Care: Minimal intervention needed
Planting and Maintenance Tips
The beauty of this plant lies in its simplicity:
- Seeds can be sown directly in spring
- Self-seeds readily, so you may not need to replant
- Deadhead spent flowers if you want to control self-seeding
- Generally pest and disease-free
- No fertilizer necessary – it’s quite content with average soil
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While small, the flowers do attract tiny pollinators, including small bees and other beneficial insects. It’s not going to transform your garden into a pollinator paradise, but every little bit helps support local ecosystems.
Should You Plant It?
Dillenius’ speedwell occupies an interesting middle ground. It’s not native, but it’s also not considered invasive or problematic. If you’re drawn to its modest charm and low-maintenance nature, there’s no compelling reason to avoid it. However, if you’re focused on supporting native ecosystems, you might consider these native alternatives:
- American speedwell (Veronica americana) for wet areas
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for pollinator appeal
- Small-flowered crowfoot (Ranunculus abortivus) for similar delicate aesthetics
The Bottom Line
Dillenius’ speedwell is like that quiet, reliable friend who’s always there when you need them but never demands attention. It won’t revolutionize your garden design, but it will quietly fill spaces with gentle blue blooms and ask for very little in return. Whether you choose to welcome it into your garden depends on your personal gardening philosophy and what role you want this unassuming annual to play in your outdoor space.
