Speedwell

Speedwell (Pseudolysimachion): A European Beauty in Your Garden

If you’re looking for a perennial that delivers impressive vertical drama with minimal fuss, speedwell might just be your new garden companion. This European native has quietly made itself at home across North America, bringing tall spikes of delicate flowers that seem to reach for the sky with determined enthusiasm.

What Exactly Is Speedwell?

Speedwell (Pseudolysimachion) is a perennial forb – which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Think of it as nature’s exclamation point, sending up slender towers of small, densely packed flowers that create quite the spectacle in summer gardens.

Originally from Europe and Asia, this adaptable plant has established itself across much of North America, from Alaska down to Florida and from coast to coast. You’ll find it growing in states and provinces including Alberta, Alaska, Manitoba, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Washington, and many others.

Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Question) Speedwell

Here’s the thing about speedwell – it’s both a blessing and a bit of a puzzle for gardeners. On the plus side, it’s incredibly easy to grow and puts on a fantastic flower show. The downside? Well, it’s not native to North America, which means it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as our homegrown plants.

The Appeal of Speedwell

What makes speedwell so attractive to gardeners?

• Impressive height: These plants typically reach 2-4 feet tall, making them excellent background players or dramatic focal points
• Long bloom time: Flowers appear in mid to late summer and can last for weeks
• Pollinator magnet: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects absolutely love the nectar-rich blooms
• Low maintenance: Once established, speedwell is quite drought tolerant and rarely needs babying
• Cottage garden charm: The informal, spiky appearance fits perfectly in relaxed, cottage-style gardens

Growing Speedwell Successfully

The good news is that speedwell is refreshingly uncomplicated to grow. Here’s what you need to know:

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (though more sun generally means better flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential – soggy conditions are speedwell’s kryptonite
• Water: Moderate water needs; drought tolerant once established
• Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for most of the continental United States and southern Canada

Planting and Care Tips

• Plant in spring after the last frost, spacing plants 1-2 feet apart
• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
• Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
• Be aware that speedwell may self-seed readily in favorable conditions

The Native Plant Perspective

While speedwell isn’t problematic enough to be classified as invasive in most areas, it’s worth considering native alternatives that provide similar garden value while supporting local ecosystems. Some excellent native options include:

• Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for similar height and pollinator appeal
• Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum) for comparable flower spikes
• New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for late-season color

Garden Design Ideas

Speedwell works beautifully in several garden settings:

• Cottage gardens: Plant alongside roses, lavender, and other informal perennials
• Perennial borders: Use as a vertical accent among lower-growing plants
• Naturalized areas: Allow to self-seed for a more wild, informal look
• Pollinator gardens: Combine with other bee and butterfly favorites

The Bottom Line

Speedwell is an easy-going perennial that delivers reliable beauty with minimal effort. While it may not have the ecological credentials of native plants, it’s not aggressive enough to cause major concerns in most gardens. If you choose to grow it, you’ll enjoy its graceful flower spikes and the parade of pollinators they attract. Just remember to deadhead regularly if you want to prevent excessive self-seeding, and consider mixing in some native plants to give your local wildlife the full buffet they’re looking for.

Whether you’re a beginning gardener looking for something foolproof or an experienced grower seeking reliable vertical interest, speedwell might just earn a permanent spot in your garden roster.