Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Plants may be sheared after flowering to revitalize and to encourage new foliage growth.
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. Sparse, intermittent rebloom may occur in summer and fall. Linear to ovate, entire to toothed, medium green leaves (to 1.5" long). Synonymous with and sometimes sold as Veronica rupestris.
Genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some genus plants having markings that resemble the markings on the sacred handkerchief.
Specific epithet means prostrate or flat on the ground.
'Trehane' typically grows 6-8" tall with deep blue flowers.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot often occurs in wet, poorly drained soils.
Uses
Ground cover for rock gardens or borders. Trail over a stone wall.