Prostrate Speedwell: A Low-Growing Ground Cover for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a carpet-like ground cover that won’t take over your entire yard, prostrate speedwell (Veronica prostrata) might catch your eye. This petite perennial creates dense mats of tiny leaves topped with delicate blue flowers in spring, making it a charming addition to rock gardens and tight spaces.
What Exactly Is Prostrate Speedwell?
Prostrate speedwell is a low-growing perennial forb that hugs the ground like a living carpet. Unlike woody shrubs, this little plant stays soft and herbaceous, with all its growing points at or below ground level. It’s built for spreading rather than reaching for the sky, which makes it perfect for filling in gaps and covering ground.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s the thing about prostrate speedwell – it’s not actually native to North America. This little European mountain dweller has made itself at home in parts of the United States, particularly in Minnesota, where it now reproduces on its own in the wild. While it’s established itself here, it’s still considered a non-native species.
The Look and Feel
Prostrate speedwell grows as a dense, mat-forming ground cover that rarely gets taller than a few inches. In late spring, it puts on quite a show with clusters of tiny, bright blue flowers that seem to float above the foliage like little stars. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and create a lush green carpet that looks good even when the plant isn’t blooming.
Where It Thrives in Your Garden
This adaptable little plant works beautifully in several garden situations:
- Rock gardens and alpine settings
- Between stepping stones or pavers
- As edging along pathways
- In cottage garden borders
- Covering slopes or difficult-to-mow areas
Its facultative wetland status means it’s quite flexible about moisture – it can handle both somewhat wet and dry conditions, though it generally prefers well-draining soil.
Growing Conditions and Care
Prostrate speedwell is refreshingly easy-going about its growing conditions. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for most of the continental United States. Here’s what makes it happy:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (though it flowers best with good light)
- Soil: Well-draining soil; it’s not picky about soil type but hates soggy conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during dry spells
- Maintenance: Very low – just trim back after flowering if you want to keep it tidy
Planting and Establishment
Getting prostrate speedwell established is straightforward. Plant it in spring after the last frost, spacing plants about 6-12 inches apart if you want quick coverage. It spreads naturally through runners, so give it some room to roam. Water regularly the first season to help it establish, then step back and let it do its thing.
Benefits for Pollinators and Wildlife
While prostrate speedwell may be small, it pulls its weight in the pollinator department. Its tiny blue flowers attract small bees, hover flies, and other beneficial insects. The dense mat it creates can also provide shelter for small beneficial creatures like ground beetles.
Should You Plant It?
Prostrate speedwell isn’t invasive or problematic, but since it’s not native, you might want to consider native alternatives that would provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Some great native ground cover options include wild ginger, wintergreen, or native sedges, depending on your region and growing conditions.
That said, if you already have prostrate speedwell or find it’s the perfect fit for a specific spot in your garden, there’s no need to remove it. It’s a well-behaved garden citizen that won’t cause ecological problems.
The Bottom Line
Prostrate speedwell is a charming, low-maintenance ground cover that earns its keep with pretty spring flowers and year-round foliage. While it’s not native, it’s not causing trouble either. Whether you choose to plant it or opt for native alternatives, you’ll be adding valuable ground cover to your garden that both you and the local pollinators can appreciate.
