Overview
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link, commonly known as Water Speedwell, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) and is often found growing in wetlands and along the edges of streams and ponds.
Description
Water Speedwell is a tall, upright plant that can grow up to 90 centimeters in height. The stems are square in shape and are often reddish in color. The leaves are opposite, toothed, and lance-shaped, with a glossy appearance. The flowers are small, blue-violet, and five-petaled, and bloom from May to September. The plant produces a fruit that is a capsule containing small seeds.
Uses
Water Speedwell has been historically used for medicinal purposes, particularly in the treatment of respiratory ailments. The leaves and stems of the plant contain astringent properties, which can help treat conditions such as bronchitis and sore throats. The plant has also been used topically as a poultice to treat wounds and skin irritations. In addition to its medicinal uses, Water Speedwell is also an attractive plant that is commonly used in landscaping and water gardens.
Common Names
Water Speedwell goes by several common names, including Brooklime, Water Pimpernel, and Blue Water Speedwell.
Light Requirements
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. In areas where the summers are hot and dry, providing partial shade can help protect the plant from heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It can tolerate lower temperature ranges but may not grow as well and may become susceptible to diseases. At higher temperature ranges, the plant can go into stress due to heat and require more frequent watering.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist soil conditions, like those of wetlands, and can grow in water up to 10 cm deep. It requires soil that is nutrient-rich and well-draining. The pH level of the soil should be between 7.0 to 8.0. Adding organic matter like manure or compost to the soil can help improve its fertility and water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link, commonly known as Water Speedwell, can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The best time to sow seeds is in late winter or early spring when the temperature ranges from 10-15°C. The seeds should be sown on the moist soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot should be placed in a bright spot but away from direct sunlight. Once the seedlings grow, they can be transplanted to a permanent spot.
Cuttings can be taken in the summer, and the stem should be at least four inches long. The stem should be inserted into moist soil and kept in a humid environment. It will take around three weeks to see new growth.
Watering Needs
Water Speedwell thrives in water, and the soil should always be moist. Watering should be done once a week, and the plant should be kept in standing water to simulate its natural conditions. If the soil dries out, the leaves will wilt, and the plant will suffer. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure to drain excess water regularly.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season. Use a well-balanced fertilizer that has equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10. Alternatively, you can use an organic fish emulsion or seaweed-based fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter months when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link does not require much pruning. Remove any dead or yellow leaves as needed. Cut back the plant to maintain its shape after flowering. If the plant becomes too tall, it can be cut back to half its size, which will promote new growth and bushiness. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation of Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link can be propagated through three primary methods: seeds, division, and stem cuttings. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages that will be discussed below.
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is one of the most straightforward methods for Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link. The seeds should be sown in spring or fall in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until germination occurs in about two to three weeks. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be potted into individual containers or transplanted into the garden.
Division
Propagation through division is best done in autumn or spring. The plant should be dug up and carefully divided into clumps. Each clump should have several stems with roots attached. The clumps can be planted directly into the garden or potted up and grown on before planting out. This method is advantageous because it allows for the rapid establishment of new plants.
Stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is best done in early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until they have developed roots. Once rooted, the cuttings can be potted up or planted directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This disease causes circular or irregular-shaped lesions that may be sunken or raised. The leaves may also turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stem, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, increase air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
- Botrytis blight: Botrytis blight causes brown spots on the leaves and stem. The plant may also have a gray moldy appearance. To manage botrytis blight, remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice good sanitation, and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. var. elata Hoffm. & Link is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap. They can cause yellowing and browning of leaves. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, use a strong stream of water to wash off the mites, or apply an insecticide.
- Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails feed on the leaves and stem of the plant, causing large holes and damage. To manage slugs and snails, remove any debris or hiding places around the plant, handpick the pests during the nighttime when they are most active, or apply an organic snail and slug control product.
