Origin and Common Names
Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell is a plant native to North America, specifically in the eastern part of the continent. It is commonly known by several names, including Mountain Speedwell, Wormskjold's Speedwell, and Alternate-flowered Speedwell.Appearance
The Mountain Speedwell typically grows up to 1.5 feet tall and spreads up to 1.5 feet in width. It has green, lance-shaped leaves and produces small, blue-purple flowers that appear alternately along the upright stem in early summer. The flowers are tubular-shaped with four petals and a white center, growing up to 1/4 inch long with prominent stamens.Uses
While the plant is mostly ornamental, it also has some medicinal uses. The leaves of the Mountain Speedwell plant are believed to have astringent properties and were used in traditional Native American medicine to treat throat and mouth problems, as well as to alleviate diarrhea. In addition, the plant is commonly used in landscape design due to its delicate beauty. It is typically planted in rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover. Its striking blue-purple flowers add vibrant color and texture to various landscaping designs, making it a sought-after plant for gardeners and landscapers alike.Light Requirements
Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. It can also grow in filtered sunlight, but it may not flower as abundantly.
Temperature Requirements
Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, which means it can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) and summer temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C). However, it grows best in temperatures ranging from 50-85°F (10-30°C).
Soil Requirements
Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It can also tolerate some drought, but it should be watered regularly during dry spells.
Cultivation Methods
Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. It also requires full sun to partial shade exposure for proper growth. It is recommended to propagate this plant through stem cuttings in the spring or fall season. Once established, it can self-seed and spread.
Watering Needs
This plant requires adequate watering throughout the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Ensure that the plant receives consistent watering, especially during periods of drought. It is important to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overusing fertilizer, as it can cause an excessive buildup of salts in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
This plant requires minimal pruning. However, it is recommended to prune it after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Pruning should also be done to remove dead or damaged branches throughout the year. Regular pruning will also help prevent the plant from becoming too leggy and unattractive.
Propagation of Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell
Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell is propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell should be sown in well-drained soil under partial shade. The seeds should be sown during the spring season. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they should be transplanted into individual containers or the ground.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Veronica wormskjoldii Roemer & J.A. Schultes ssp. alterniflora (Fern.) Pennell should be taken during the early spring or late summer season. Cuttings should be taken from the semi-hardwood of the plant. The cuttings should be at least three inches long and should have a few leaves attached to them. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be watered, and the plant should be kept in a partially shaded area until it establishes roots. The plant can then be transplanted into individual containers or the ground.
Disease Management
Veronica wormskjoldii ssp. alterniflora is generally a healthy plant and less susceptible to diseases compared to other plants. However, some diseases can still affect these plants.
One of the common diseases that may affect Veronica wormskjoldii ssp. alterniflora is powdery mildew. This disease is evidenced by the presence of a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage it, you can spray the plant with a fungicide recommended for powdery mildew.
Another disease is rust. This disease is characterized by the presence of rust-colored spots on the leaves. To manage it, affected leaves should be removed and discarded properly to prevent further spread of the disease. Additionally, you can spray the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
While Veronica wormskjoldii ssp. alterniflora is not highly susceptible to pests, some pests may still attack the plant.
One of the common pests that affect these plants is spider mites. These pests are very small and difficult to detect, but you can detect their presence by looking for yellow or pale spots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a miticide.
Another pest that can affect Veronica wormskjoldii ssp. alterniflora is aphids. These pests can cause distortion of the leaves and stunt the overall growth of the plant. To manage them, you can spray the plant with an insecticide. Additionally, you can introduce natural predators such as lady beetles or lacewings to help control the population of aphids.
