European Venus' Looking Glass
Legousia speculum-veneris
- Native to:
- Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Campanulaceae
- Genus:
- Legousia
- Species:
- Legousia speculum-veneris
- USDA Symbol:
- LESP2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, violet, blue
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Cool temperatures (50-65°F) improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI