Snow Speedwell Plant Care
Veronica nivea Lindl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Veronica nivea, the milfoil speedwell or snow speedwell, is a flowering plant species of the family Plantaginaceae, endemic to south-eastern Australia. It is sometimes included in the genus Parahebe or Derwentia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Snow Speedwell?
Plant Snow Speedwell in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Snow Speedwell Native To?
What Is the Snow Speedwell?
Snow Speedwell (Veronica nivea) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Veronica genus. Snow Speedwell is native to south-eastern Australia.
Snow Speedwell displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Snow Speedwell produces small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Snow Speedwell?
Water a young or newly planted Snow Speedwell every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Snow Speedwell Need?
Snow Speedwell thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Snow Speedwell Prefer?
Veronica nivea tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Snow Speedwell prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Snow Speedwell?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Snow Speedwell to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Snow Speedwell?
Feed Snow Speedwell every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Snow Speedwell?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Snow Speedwell is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Snow Speedwell?
Snow Speedwell can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Snow Speedwell?
Prune Snow Speedwell while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Snow Speedwell in Winter?
Snow Speedwell is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Snow Speedwell?
Snow Speedwell can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to field speedwell plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Snow Speedwell Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Snow Speedwell, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Snow Speedwell?
Snow Speedwell is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Snow Speedwell Need?
Snow Speedwell grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Snow Speedwell is native to south-eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Snow Speedwell as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Snow Speedwell is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Veronica genus — compare its care with other Veronica species on PlantoScan.
Veronica is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family — browse all Plantaginaceae genera and species.
Snow Speedwell thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Veronica Species
Other Veronica species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Veronica nivea Lindl., family Plantaginaceae (first published in Edwards's Bot. Reg. 28(Misc.): 42 (1842)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Snow Speedwell, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
