Veronica beccabunga (Brooklime)

Botanical name

Veronica beccabunga

Other names

Brooklime, European brooklime, Cow cress, Becky leaves, Limewort, Water pimpernel, Horsewell grass

Genus

Veronica Veronica

Species

V. beccabunga - V. beccabunga is an evergreen to semi-evergreen, marginal aquatic perennial with hollow, creeping, branching, fleshy stems, oval to rounded, sometimes toothed, fleshy, mid-green leaves and clusters of saucer-shaped, blue flowers with white centres from late spring to late summer.

Native to

Asia, Europe

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Habit

Mat Forming, Spreading

Colour

Flower

Blue in Spring; Blue in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Downy mildew , Leaf spot , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Trim regularly to maintain a compact habit and to encourage further flowering.

Propagation

Divide in summer.

Propagation methods

Division, Stem tip cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Veronica beccabunga (Brooklime) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Aquatic, Bees (attract & feed bees), Bog garden, Waterside

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, wet soil or in water to 12cm deep in full sun. Prefers cool summers. Attracts and feeds bees.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Boggy damp conditions, Moisture-retentive, Pond/In water

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Veronica beccabunga (Brooklime)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/