Digger’s Speedwell
(Veronica perfoliata)
Digger’s Speedwell (Veronica perfoliata)
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© Kiri Bee
CC BY 4.0
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© Kiri Bee
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Kiri Bee | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: kiri_bee | Publisher: iNaturalist |




















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Veronica perfoliata, commonly known as Digger’s Speedwell, is an evergreen perennial herb that is native to open woodlands and scrublands in Southeastern Australia. This plant typically forms a low, spreading mound with multi-stemmed branches rising from a woody rootstock. It is characterized by its rounded blue-grey foliage and the striking sprays of intense violet-blue flowers that appear at the ends of arching branches. The leaves are smooth, bluish-green, and have a distinctive powdery bloom. Digger’s Speedwell reaches up to 120 cm (47 in) long, and its flowering season extends from October to February, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Digger’s Speedwell is valued for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and as ground cover. It is also used in cottage gardens and for underplanting beneath open-canopied trees. This plant is drought-tolerant once established, requiring low to medium amounts of water. It thrives in well-drained soils and can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers a sunny to partly shaded location. While it is not commonly known for serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Digger’s Speedwell is not typically invasive but should be monitored to ensure it does not spread beyond desired areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Digger’s Speedwell is valued for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and as ground cover. It is also used in cottage gardens and for underplanting beneath open-canopied trees. This plant is drought-tolerant once established, requiring low to medium amounts of water. It thrives in well-drained soils and can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers a sunny to partly shaded location. While it is not commonly known for serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Digger’s Speedwell is not typically invasive but should be monitored to ensure it does not spread beyond desired areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to open woodlands and scrublands in Southeastern Australia
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Veronica perfoliata, Parahebe perfoliata, Derwentia perfoliata, Veronica imperfoliata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Veronica perfoliata (R.Br.)