Veronica whitleyi (Whitley's speedwell)

Botanical name

Veronica whitleyi

Other names

Whitley's speedwell, Whitley's veronica

Genus

Veronica Veronica

Species

V. whitleyi - V. whitleyi is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial with hairy, deeply-divided, dark olive-green leaves and, in spring, racemes of saucer-shaped, dark blue flowers, each with a white central eye. Will often bloom again in late summer or early autumn.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Mat Forming

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Colour

Flower

Blue in Spring

Foliage

Olive green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Downy mildew , Leaf spot , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Trim after flowering.

Propagation methods

Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Veronica whitleyi (Whitley's speedwell) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Rock, Low Maintenance, Ground Cover, Gravel, Garden edging, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, City, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun. May rebloom in late summer or early autumn with regular moisture. Tolerates heat, drought, and humidity.

Soil type

Loamy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

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

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Veronica whitleyi (Whitley's speedwell)

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/