I have grown this plant for 8 years and I would not want to be without it. The gentian speedwell, is a very delicate looking plant that flowers in late spring, putting on a great floral display for about two weeks—which is too short. Even with such a short flowering season it deserves a place in your garden.
Veronica gentianoides grows in full sun, but also does well in part shade. In my garden it grows on the north side of the house and spreads slowly with above ground rhizomes. If it is left to set seed it will self-sow. I cut mine back after flowering and in part shade at least, it does not bloom again.
There is a herbarium speciman of Veronica gentianoides v. alpinia, which looks as if it blooms at under 10 cm. I could not find any references to living plant material but I do now have seedlings of this plant. It should be a stunning little rock garden plant.
Veronica gentianoides
(veh-RON-ih-ka jen-shee-uh-NOY-deez)
Life Cycle: perennial
Height: 45cm (1.5ft)
Bloom Time: late spring
Natural Range: Turkey, Caucasus and Iran
Habitat: open moist areas; grasslands, forests and alpine areas
Synonyms: Veronica charadzeae, Veronica kemulariae
Cultivation of Veronica gentianoides:
Light: full sun to part shade
Soil: well drained, humusy
Water: regular moisture – does not like to dry out
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-7
Propagation: seed, division
I have grown this perennial in my Zone 3 garden for many years. Red Deer, AB, CA