- Native varieties are absolutely hardy
- Prepare speedwell for winter
- Protect non-hardy varieties from frost
- Winter protection for Speedwell in pots or tubs
Speedwell is a very diverse plant that comes in countless varieties worldwide. In our latitudes there are about 50 different species. Perennials are offered for the garden, which are completely hardy depending on the variety. However, there are also Veronica species that are not hardy and must be protected from frost.
Native speedwell is hardy
Native varieties are absolutely hardy
Native Speedwell species are either annuals or perennials and tolerate sub-zero temperatures with ease. The spiked speedwell, which is often grown in the garden, is one of the native species that are hardy and can be grown in the garden without winter protection.
Annual species retire in the fall. They sow themselves. The seeds germinate in spring and produce new plants.
Prepare speedwell for winter
In the fall, you can cut back native Speedwell perennials entirely. You can apply a layer of mulch if you wish, but it is not really necessary.
Protect non-hardy varieties from frost
If you grow speedwell varieties that are not native to our latitudes, you must assume that they are not hardy.
It is better to plant such varieties in buckets or pots so that you can overwinter them in a frost-free place.
If the plants are in a very sheltered location where it doesn't get too cold even in winter, protect the speedwell from frost with a mulch layer. Additionally, cover the plants with fir branches. Fir branches have the advantage that they don't shed their needles until spring and the Speedwell slowly gets used to more light again.
Winter protection for Speedwell in pots or tubs
If you grow Speedwell in a pot or tub on the terrace or balcony, you should also protect the hardy variety from frost. The soil freezes through too quickly in the planter.
Place the jars on an insulating surface and move them to a sheltered spot. You should also cover sensitive varieties with foil.
Make sure that the speedwell is not too wet in winter.
tips
Shrub veronica, also called Hebe, is often offered as absolutely hardy. Don't rely on that. Most of these New Zealand varieties tolerate a maximum of minus five degrees, and only for a few days.