Photo: Juan Carlos Caicedo HernándezCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
American Speedwell Plant Care
Veronica peregrina L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique heart-shaped leaves covered in fine hairs, this plant originating from Europe and Asia is a favorite among plant collectors for its delicate appearance and low maintenance requirements. Veronica peregrina's charming foliage adds a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for American Speedwell?
Plant American Speedwell in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 3a–10b) 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 American Speedwell Native To?
What Is the American Speedwell?
American Speedwell (Veronica peregrina) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Veronica genus. American Speedwell is native to the Americas. American Speedwell is also known as Hairy Speedwell, Purslane Speedwell.
American Speedwell displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. American Speedwell produces small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Speedwell?
Water a young or newly planted American 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 American Speedwell Need?
American Speedwell thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Speedwell Prefer?
Veronica peregrina tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. American Speedwell prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Speedwell?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for American Speedwell to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American Speedwell?
Feed American 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 American 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.
American Speedwell is suited to USDA Zone 3a – 10b.
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 American Speedwell?
American 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 American Speedwell?
Prune American 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 American Speedwell in Winter?
American Speedwell is hardy down to USDA zone 3a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a American Speedwell?
American 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 American Speedwell Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American 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 American Speedwell?
American 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 American Speedwell Need?
American Speedwell grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. American Speedwell is native to the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
American 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.
American 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 peregrina L., family Plantaginaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 14 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American 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.
- Photo: Juan Carlos Caicedo Hernández, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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