Family
Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name
Veronica armena
Plant Common Name
Armenian Speedwell, Speedwell
General Description
A low spreading habit, fine needle-like foliage and beautiful violet flowers make this resilient rock garden plant stand out. A native of Turkey and Armenia, Armenian speedwell is a hardy perennial that withstands warm, dry conditions. Its fine evergreen leaves create an attractive mat of foliage that looks great year round. In spring to early summer, small clusters of showy violet blue flowers are produced. These are attractive to bees and other insect pollinators.
Plant Armenian speedwell in full sun and poor, sharply drained, gravelly soil. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant. Like many rock garden plants, this veronica does not appreciate cold, wet winters and will die if exposed to excessive cold moisture at the root zone coupled with repeated freezing and thawing.
This uncommon perennial is becoming more commercially available. In addition to rock or alpine gardens, try planting it along the top of a retaining wall or the edge of a sunny bed.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
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Width
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Eastern Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Blue Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
