Derwent Speedwell

Derwent Speedwell (Veronica derwentiana subsp. homalodonta) is an Australian native perennial with narrow green leaves and tall candelabra spikes of pale blue-lilac or white flowers in summer. It forms a bushy plant about 1.5m tall and wide, and it thrives under trees where many flowering plants sulk. The flowers open from the bottom of each spike upward, which stretches the display over many weeks.

Why you'll love it

• A long flowering season. Each spike opens from the base upward, so the show goes on for weeks.
• Happy in shade. It grows in dappled to full shade, including under trees, where flowers are hard to come by.
• Frost hardy. It suits cold gardens and thrives in cooler climates, particularly in NSW, Tasmania and Victoria.
• Native with cottage garden charm. It brings the upright, flowering look of a cottage perennial to a native garden.
• Renews itself. Older leggy plants can be rejuvenated by hard pruning, so a tired plant is renewed rather than replaced.

Where it works best

Under trees. Plant 1.2m apart in drifts beneath gums and other trees, where it copes with dappled shade.

Cottage and native gardens. Use it at the middle of a border, where its tall spikes sit behind lower plants.

Herbaceous borders. It fits comfortably with other shade-loving perennials in a mixed bed.

Moist gully-style plantings. In the wild it grows along riverbanks and gullies, so it suits damp, shaded corners.

Growing Derwent Speedwell in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled shade to full shade. It is frost hardy and thrives in the cooler climates of NSW, Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT, and it is less suited to hot, dry or tropical gardens.

Soil. Moist, nutritious, well-draining soil, ideally a damp loam. Mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, around 12 weeks, and water regularly through dry periods. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Older, leggy plants can be rejuvenated by hard pruning. Cut back after flowering to keep the clump tidy and bushy.

What to expect when it arrives

Derwent Speedwell is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes arrive upright and ready to plant, and with regular water they grow into a bushy clump within a season or two. Flowers follow in summer once the plant has settled in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse Australian native plants
• Plants for partial shade
• Shade gardening in Australia: what to plant where
• How to create a cottage garden

Common questions

Will it grow under gum trees?

Yes, it will grow around gum trees. Keep it watered through dry spells, since tree roots compete for moisture.

Does it suit warm climates?

It thrives in the cooler climates of NSW, Tasmania and Victoria. In hot, dry or tropical gardens it is harder to keep happy.

What if it gets leggy?

Prune it hard. Older leggy plants can be rejuvenated this way, and fresh growth follows.