Prostrate speedwell (Veronica prostrata 'Trehane')
Low-growing Veronica prostrata 'Trehane' creates dense blue mats. A durable, low-maintenance perennial great for rock gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’, commonly known as Prostrate speedwell, is an exceptional ground cover for gardeners seeking durable, dense coverage featuring vibrant spring color. This herbaceous perennial forms an attractive, mat-forming habit via sterile, prostrate stems, making it ideal for suppressing unwanted weeds while remaining neat and tidy. The main appeal of Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ lies in its late spring display of short, dense racemes bearing tiny, deep blue flowers, effectively carpeting the ground.
This highly valued ground cover thrives across USDA Zones 4 through 8, exhibiting low maintenance requirements once established. Its ability to tolerate both full sun and light afternoon shade adds versatility to landscape planning. Gardeners appreciate Prostrate speedwell for its resilience and neat appearance following its primary bloom period.
As a member of the Plantaginaceae family, Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ offers reliable performance, spreading outward up to 1.5 feet wide while keeping its profile extremely low, rarely exceeding 0.75 feet in height. Successful cultivation hinges on providing well-drained soil, as the plant strongly dislikes excessive moisture around its roots.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: Blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Prostrate speedwell in the spring or early fall, ensuring it receives average, medium soil that drains efficiently. Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ performs best when sited where it receives full sun; however, it tolerates light part shade, which may slightly reduce flower density. Amending heavy clay soils to improve drainage is crucial, as root rot is the primary cultural issue if the area remains consistently waterlogged.
Watering needs are medium; establish a regular schedule during the first growing season to encourage deep root development. Once mature, this speedwell is relatively drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture during dry spells. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, as overly rich soil encourages excessive foliage at the expense of flowers; focus efforts on soil improvement rather than feeding.
Maintenance for Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ is wonderfully low. The plant may be sheared lightly after the main flush of blooms in early summer to tidy the display and encourage fresh vegetative growth. This shearing technique helps maintain a dense mat, keeping the Prostrate speedwell looking sharp throughout the season. Minimal pruning or deadheading is typically required otherwise.
Landscape Uses
Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ excels as a superb ground cover, rapidly blanketing open areas with consistent texture and color. Its low-growing nature makes it excellent for softening the edges of borders or naturally creeping over hardscaping elements. Consider planting Prostrate speedwell extensively within rock gardens where its dense mat can tumble attractively over stone retaining walls or between pavers.
As a mass planting, the deep blue bloom of Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ creates a stunning, uniform carpet effect in mid-to-late spring. Pair its fine texture with coarser, contrasting foliage plants like Sedums or ornamental grasses for visual interest. It naturalizes well, intermingling beautifully with spring ephemerals or low-growing rock garden companions that share similar sun and soil preferences.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Veronica prostrata, sometimes commonly called harebell speedwell, is a low-growing, mat-forming ground cover which typically grows 6-8” tall and spreads indefinitely by sterile, prostrate stems. Short, dense racemes of tiny, pale-to-deep blue flowers (1/3” across) appear in the upper leaf axils of upright flowering stems in late spring to early summer. The specific epithet means prostrate or flat on the ground, perfectly describing the habit of Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
This variety is generally free from serious insect or disease issues, contributing to its low maintenance status. The most critical threat to Prostrate speedwell is overly wet or poorly drained soil, which frequently leads to root rot, especially in heavy clay sites. Ensure proper site selection to avoid consistently soggy conditions. Deer and rabbits typically find this plant unappealing, offering built-in protection from common garden browsing pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Prostrate speedwell suitable for?
Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Prostrate speedwell grow?
This ground cover maintains a very low profile, typically reaching 0.5 to 0.75 feet in height, spanning between 0.5 and 1.5 feet in spread.
What sun exposure does Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ need?
For the best flowering performance, ensure your planting receives full sun, though it adapts well to sites offering part shade.
When does Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ bloom?
The primary bloom time for this low-growing perennial is May through July, usually featuring beautiful blue-colored flowers.
Conclusion
The dense, low-growing habit and vibrant blue flowers make Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ an indispensable choice for textural ground cover. This Prostrate speedwell requires minimal effort, primarily needing well-drained soil to thrive across its hardy zones. Before planting, confirm your site conditions align with its sun and moisture requirements to ensure a stunning, maintenance-free display for years to come.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Prostrate speedwell, focus on plants that also prefer full sun to light shade and require similar, medium water levels with excellent drainage. Consider pairing it with shorter, late-season bloomers like creeping thyme varieties (Thymus serpyllum) or low-growing ornamental sedums to ensure continuous visual interest after the primary blue bloom of Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ fades. Its dense mat helps suppress weeds around larger, slower-growing perennials in a perennial landscape.
Design Ideas
Utilize Veronica prostrata ‘Trehane’ extensively on slopes or inclines where its spreading habit can help prevent erosion without requiring intense upkeep. Its finely textured foliage contrasts effectively with plants exhibiting broader leaves or bolder textures, such as creeping phlox or low-growing ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue. For formal designs, use defined groupings of Prostrate speedwell as a living border edging in place of traditional mulch or stone.
