Veronica serpyllifolia
thyme-leaved speedwell
Overview
Veronica serpyllifolia is a low, mat-forming perennial 2-10 inches (5-25 cm) tall, spreading by creeping stems that root at the nodes to form patches 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) wide. The lower stems lie flat before turning upward at the flowering tips. Small, oval to elliptic leaves 0.2-0.8 inch (0.5-2 cm) long are paired, smooth, and shallowly toothed, resembling those of thyme. Slender upright spikes carry many small flowers, each about 0.2 inch (5-6 mm) across, with four pale blue to white petals marked with darker blue veins. Flowering runs from April through August. The flowers give way to flattened, heart-shaped seed capsules. Spread is by both creeping rooted stems and seed, so the plant knits into lawns and turf, where mowing does not eliminate it. It tolerates regular foot traffic and close mowing better than most broadleaf plants. Foliage stays low and semi-evergreen in mild winters, dying back in colder zones.
Native Range
Native to Europe and Asia and naturalized widely across North America and other temperate regions. Grows in lawns, meadows, stream banks, damp grassland, and open woodland, from lowlands to subalpine elevations around 8,000 feet (2,400 m).Suggested Uses
Used as a low groundcover, in lawn alternatives, and in the cracks of paving and rock gardens at 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) spacing. Its spreading habit suits informal and naturalistic plantings but makes it a weed in formal turf. Tolerates light foot traffic in path edges and stepping-stone gaps.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 10"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Bloom Information
Flowers from April through August, with the heaviest bloom in late spring. The small pale flowers are insect-pollinated and also self-fertile, opening over a long season. Seed capsules ripen within a few weeks, and the plant often flowers and fruits at the same time.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale blue to whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to partial shade on moist soils and tolerates lawns, turf, and compacted ground. Creeping rooted stems let it spread through grass, where it persists under regular mowing. It needs little care once established and tolerates foot traffic. In maintained lawns it is treated as a weed and is hard to remove by mowing alone because the prostrate stems escape the blade. It grows in containers and rock garden pockets with steady moisture.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Shearing or mowing after the main bloom tidies the patch and reduces self-seeding, though prostrate stems below blade height keep spreading. Patches are lifted and divided in spring where they outgrow their space.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons