Woodystem Speedwell
Veronica fruticans
- Native to:
- Austria, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Finland, Føroyar, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greenland, Iceland, Italy, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine
Jerzy Opioła
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Plantaginaceae
- Genus:
- Veronica
- Species:
- Veronica fruticans
- USDA Symbol:
- VEFR80
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 20 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- blue
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained alpine soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in high-altitude rocky areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate after cold stratification; surface sow on moist, well-drained medium.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months. Requires darkness.