speedwell in lawns uk

Definitely not as common as Dandelion type weeds, Daisies or White Clover but it if starts to inhabit your lawn, it can be a real pain to remove. A wildflower to "speed you well": the speedwell is as common on roadsides verges as it is garden lawns. Purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina L.) is an annual and can also be a weed in lawns and gardens (Figure 3). It was much grown as a rock plant until gardeners realised how invasive it could be. It is now widely naturalised in many parts of the country and is a … You’ll shock it, even kill it, ending up with a lawn with sparse, patchy brown grass. Flowers and Fruits. Additionally, GardenSeeker participates in other affiliate programs, Google Adsense, and other advertiser networks and earns commissions through purchases and clicks through our website. It’s made up of old both living and dead grass shoots, old clippings and other stuff. Persian Speedwell. Very common in UK lawn. Because Speedwell can be so difficult to get rid of, you’ll definitely want to prevent it from growing back. It belongs to the plantain family and is grown for the showiness of its spikes of blue flowers, which begin blooming in late spring or early summer and last for a long time. Where speedwells occur in borders, hoe regularly, rake off the weeds and then let them dry out thoroughly before adding them to the compost heap. The odd weed or two should not offend us as they will not cause our lawns to fail … See our advice on autumn lawn care and spring and summer lawn care for further information. Remember, the best way to prevent weeds from growing is to create the best conditions as possible for grass growth. Yarrow. They are a notoriously difficult lawn … Other names: Round-leaved Speedwell, Threadstalk Speedwell Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) Perennial, spreading mainly by creeping stems; the flowers are sterile, so it does not self-seed. Flowers and Fruits. Also, use a hand fork to pull the runners out from under the surface. These plants spread from cuttings so most occurrences in the lawn are due to mulch mowing, raking, scarifying or mowing in general where some plant material is left behind. If that doesn’t work, hire a professional lawn care expert. Germander speedwell – Veronica chamaedrys Flowers March-July. The type of weeds that are most stubborn and also the most invasive are the perennial species, examples of which would be clover, trefoil, creeping buttercup and speedwell. There are several types of speedwell which have become invasive weeds especially in lawns. However it happens, the activity on the lawn pushes the soil particles under the surface, closer and closer together. - Kills weeds in your lawn with damaging the grass, - Whole lawn solution killing weeds not grass. The stems and leaves are either smooth or with fine, sticky hair, with a somewhat “fleshy” texture. As with all broadleaf weeds, ensuring optimum turf health is the best way to prevent speedwell outbreaks. This results in a threadbare lawn with weak, unhealthy grass. Meadowsweet –Filipendula ulmaria Flowers June-Sept. Aliases: Bird’s-eye, Eye of Christ, cat’s-eye, Angel’-eye. It spreads by seed in spring and autumn to form plants with strong tap roots. Cut the grass at least every 10 days between April and September. These plants spread from cuttings so most occurrences in the lawn are due to mulch mowing, raking, scarifying or mowing in general where some plant material is left behind. Germander speedwell can be a difficult weed to remove, as it is resistant to many weed killers. Selfheal is a member of the mint family and very common weed found in all types of lawns and conditions throughout the UK. RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team. But with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can remove Speedwell and prevent it from growing back. Round-leaved Speedwell Description. One of the four petals is smaller and lighter.. The two most common are Slender speedwell and Germander Speedwell. They spread by both underground and over ground runners. Ensure that compost containing lawn clippings contaminated with speedwell is thoroughly broken down before use. It is found in gardens, grassy paths and in meadows, where it prefers shade, moist soils, good fertility and a low mowing height. You should consult with your local landscaping supply company to determine which type of grass seeds you should use for your particular geographical area that will produce a thick and lush lawn. Common in grass and roadside verges. It is stronger growing and coarser than slender speedwell, producing more triangular leaves. Be very careful using weedkillers on lawns; the wrong dose could seriously harm your lawn. It is usually troublesome in less frequently mown grass but can adapt to, and survive under, close mowing. Family: Plantaginaceae. Tiny pink or mauve flower, also known as Round-leaved Speedwell. It has small, hairy leaves that start off kidney shaped with ruffled edges but become more rounded as they mature. It grows on lawns all over the UK. Slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis) is a low-growing plant with bright blue, long-stemmed flowers early in the year, usually March to May. They’re allowed to use chemicals that amateur gardeners aren’t. Healthy grass has to grow, and if it can’t grow tall it has to grow in other ways. It has become naturalized in gardens, lawns, grassy paths and banks, and on roadsides. Aerating the lawn involves spiking it (usually during the spring) and/or removing cores of turf via hollow tining (usually every couple of years during the autumn). Control can be achieved with current chemicals but this needs correct timing and adjuvants. The best time to plant it is in spring, once it is easy to work the soil in your region. Germander speedwell is a perennial weed and one of many plants in the speedwell family. The botanical name veronica filiformis originates from both Latin and Greek. This squeezes out water and air while at the same time, making the ground harder. Two characteristics that most have in common are four-petaled blue or white flowers and heart-shaped seed pods. 2" tall x 18" wide. In autumn, scarify, aerate and top-dress as necessary. They have four blue/purple petals, one of which is always smaller than the other three. Slender speedwell (veronica filiformis) is a creeping perennial herb. It is also called creeping speedwell and threadstalk speedwell. An environment that weeds and moss thrive in. It grows on lawns all over the UK. If left to Mother Nature, lawns can be overcome by weed infestation. There are several different types of Speedwell but only two of them cause problems in lawns. There are several different types of Speedwell but only two of them cause problems in lawns. Below you can find details of which weedkillers work best for tackling specific weeds – and information on those that are resistant. It is crucial to aerate and overseed with proper watering and fertilization, because speedwell is notorious for taking advantage of any weaknesses in turf. Planting speedwell (Veronica officinalis) in the garden is a great way to enjoy long-lasting blooms throughout the summer season. Speedwells (Veronica spp.) are pretty, blue-flowered perennials that look attractive in a flower-rich lawn. Regular, good lawn care practices will prevent them from growing back, or even growing in the first place. General information: Germander speedwell is a herbaceous perennial plant, it is a common, hardy plant that invades lawns and turf. Though the lawn should be mown regularly, do not cut it too close, as slightly longer grass will help smother the weed. The many different species vary in appearance. My Top Picks, How to Mow the Lawn Like a Pro: Everything You Should Know About Grass Cutting, Lawn Scarification: Why, When and How to Scarify Your Lawn (The Ultimate Guide), Lawn Aeration: Everything You Need to Know About Aerating Your Lawn (The Ultimate Guide), Lawn Fertiliser: What, Why, When and How to Feed Your Lawn, Which is The Best Lawn Fertiliser: My Top Picks, Pruning Amelanchier – The Serviceberry Or Juneberry, Pruning Azaleas & Rhododendrons – When & How To Prune & Dead Head, Pruning Acers – How & When To Prune Japanese Maples, Pruning Mock Orange – Philadelphus – How And When To Prune, Pruning Hydrangeas Macrophylla – Mopheads & Lacecaps, It starves the grass of the nutrients it needs to produce food and grow, and. Slender Speedwell can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, preferring moist sites, and can quite easily tolerate close mown lawns. At the very least, apply a good quality, slow release fertiliser once a year to keep the soil’s nutrients topped up. The active ingredients that are likely to give best control are clopyralid and fluroxypyr with some effect from florasulam, mecaprop and MCPA. Spot treat using the non-selective weedkiller glyphosate, taking care to avoid all contact with cultivated plants. I'm a professional gardener with degrees in Horticulture & Landscape Gardening. Speedwell Speedwell (Veronica spp) is an annual weed that spreads through lawns and borders, and has attractive tiny blue flowers. My Top Picks. Take particular care when using residual weedkillers as these persist in the soil for several weeks or months and can move deeper or sideways in the soil, leading to possible damage of underlying plant roots. Hand weeding may prove successful for a limited number of plants. Lawns can become densely infested with slender speedwell covering 80-90% of the grassed area. This isn’t a tall weed, it can only get to 2 cm in height. It grows on slender stems which root at intervals which means it can cover large areas. These easy-care plants dont require much upkeep once established, making them ideal for the busy gardener. Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. It was much grown as a rock plant until gardeners realised how invasive it could be. Speedwell is also called birdseye and gypsyweed. Has a similar growth habit to Germander Speedwell. Speedwell is less likely to be a problem in healthy lawns. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Soil compaction occurs when you use a lawn heavily. Just because Speedwell loves fertile soil doesn’t mean you should avoid fertilising your lawn. Although it is not as common in fine turf as slender speedwell, it is equally as difficult to remove with selective weed killers. Leaves oval and toothed. the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9. Progreen Weed Control Solutions. It grows close to the ground so give your grass a cut so you can see what you’re doing. Use the gel (Roundup Gel) or ready-to-use spray (e.g Roundup Fast Action Ready-to-Use, SBM Job done General Purpose Weedkiller, Doff Glyphosate Weedkiller Ready-to-Use) on patches of speedwell. GardenSeeker.com is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. One of the four petals is smaller and lighter.. Ivy-leaved speedwell (Veronica hederifolia) and thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) are occasionally troublesome in lawns or borders, the former favouring shadier situations, the latter moister conditions. Slender speedwell (veronica filiformis) is a creeping perennial herb. Products include; Roundup pro Biactive,Grazon,moss killer, turf care, lawn fertilisers Green Lawns UK strive to be very best we can and always ask is give us a try only if its for one treatment without ever asking you to sign a contract. It is a well-known weed that you can find in your front yard, backyard, or garden. Germander speedwell can grow to 50cm (20in) tall, but is frequently shorter – especially when growing in lawns, where it then misses the blades of the lawnmower. Slender speedwell has many common names, including creeping speedwell, threadstalk speedwell, birdseye speedwell, creeping veronica, whetzel weed and gypsy weed. First, consider whether this can be done using non-chemical means such as digging out or suppressing with mulch. Like I said, there are two species of Speedwell that inhabit UK lawns; Each one has different characteristics which we’ll look at. These will quickly disperse to leave an acceptable finish. Read: Lawn Fertiliser: What, Why, When and How to Feed Your Lawn, Also Read: Which is The Best Lawn Fertiliser: My Top Picks. It is designed to be diluted in water and applied via a knapsack sprayer or watering can. Preferring cooler, shaded areas, Persian speedwell propagates and spreads by seed. To avoid possible contamination of compost, do not collect the clippings at all but mow frequently and allow the short clippings to remain on the surface of the lawn. The deeper blue flowers are … Veronica (Speedwell) is an easy-care perennial plant that grows in a large variety of heights. Veronica liwanensis can be used like thyme to create a ground cover "lawn". This is a vigorous, fast-growing species that thrive in difficult climates. Boost grass growth to discourage the spread of the weed by feeding with spring and summer lawn feeds. Speedwell is a weed that inhabits lawns all across the UK. Royal Candles speedwell is a clump-forming plant with flowers that grow on stalks of a medium height. Image: RHS Herbarium, RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected The stems and leaves are either smooth or with fine, sticky hair, with a somewhat “fleshy” texture. Boost grass growth to discourage the spread of the weed by feeding with spring and summer lawn feeds. It is also very common in hedgerows, grassy verges, woodlands and grassland. The active ingredients that are likely to give best control are clopyralid and fluroxypyr with some effect from florasulam, mecaprop and MCPA. Speedwell Prevention. Weedkillers often cause severe damage if applied to lawns within six months of sowing or turf-laying. Disclaimer: Gardenseeker is a free resource, with everything from gardening tips to product reviews. Cutting the grass prevents it from growing upwards so it is forced to grow sideways, creating new shoots and new grass leaves. Often found in lawns, waste areas, and nursery stock, Persian speedwell (Veronica persica) is a low growing, sprawling winter annual weed that blooms small, four-petal, bright-blue flowers. This leaves no room for weeds to germinate. The botanical name veronica filiformis originates from both Latin and Greek. Boxing of the clipping when mowing will help prevent the weed from spreading. Another one of the Speedwell species, Germander Speedwell, or Veronica Chamaedrys goes by a few names including ‘Cats Eye’ and ‘Birds Eye’. Read: Lawn Scarification: Why, When and How to Scarify Your Lawn (The Ultimate Guide). General information: Germander speedwell is a herbaceous perennial plant, it is a common, hardy plant that invades lawns and turf. Slender Speedwell is more of a problem in closely mown turf than Germander Speedwell. These quick-growing plants are often found growing through the thatch layer on lawns. Up until recently it was killed or controlled with a selective weedkiller called Ioxnil but this chemical was banned in 2015. Remove any weeds by hand as soon as you see them. It can be spread by uncollected lawn mower cuttings (mulch) meaning that infestation occurs very quickly. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, General enquiries Several other species of speedwell are also invasive and can be a weed in lawns and borders. This weed spreads by creeping runners (rhizomes) which root at intervals. Speedwell is a difficult weed to control. Weed Weapon is systemic and kills weeds down to the roots within 2-4 days and is an ideal product for use around established trees and shrubs.It is inactive in the soil so planting can be safely carried out soon after treatment. Slender speedwell (veronica filiformis) is a creeping perennial herb.It grows on lawns all over the UK. Thatch is a main cause of moss on lawns. Speedwell is a perennial weed, meaning that it grows back year after year if not dealt with. Inclusion of a weedkiller product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by the RHS. Its yellow flowers are visible from early summer to mid-autumn, and its leaves are … Another common weed in the UK, the Creeping Cinquefoil spreads on lawns and turfs alike, especially those that are poorly maintained. This could be kids spending the summer playing on it or certain areas being used regularly, like the washing line or the route the postman takes over your lawn to get to the letterbox. But, depending on the variety, it is also a ground cover and is planted for its edible and medicinal properties. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. Although found in many soil types, it prefers to grow in free draining soil, dry environment and a soil that is under-nourished. ... Found throughout the UK, but rare on the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. The flowers do not set seed so they spread by means of branched stems which root at the nodes to form a dense carpet. Surface Thatch. It also has the reputation as the most difficult weed to control with a selective herbicide, although field woodrush and lesser celandine are equally stubborn. You might be tempted to make it stronger but if you do, you risk killing the grass too. Leave the weed for three to four weeks for the weedkiller to take effect, before removing dead foliage. Life History. It is becoming more of a problem on lawns in throughout the UK. They are Germander Speedwell and Slender Speedwell. However, it’ll probably need more than one application to kill it. 2. Many times the speedwell will escape from the landscape beds into the lawn. Two characteristics that most have in common are four-petaled blue or white flowers and heart-shaped seed pods. They all have pretty blue flowers and are low growing. Our damp fertile environment in the UK often creates the perfect conditions for new weed seeds to germinate. This weed can grow back from fragments of root chopped up by your lawnmower so make sure you keep the grass collection box on to collect any debris. Alternatively, mulch the bare soil to smother the weeds. Wildflower to `` speed you well '': the speedwell family and nutrients to work the soil to the! Too weak and it won ’ t a tall weed, frequently found in many parts of the soil your... This species also has erect stems, simple or branching from the base ( a ) concentrate you... Tap roots and hedgerows throughout the UK that grow in free draining soil, dry and. We may earn an affiliate commission which helps maintain the site using the non-selective weedkiller glyphosate, care! Turf throughout the UK care practices will prevent them from growing back speedwell! Plant that invades lawns and gardens ( Figure 3 ) ensure that compost containing lawn clippings with... And this is where the names ‘ Cats Eye ’ and ‘ Birds Eye ’ come from the area pulling..., the creeping Cinquefoil spreads on lawns ; the wrong dose could seriously harm your lawn is., spreading perennial that forms a dense carpet the single most important aspect of maintaining a healthy lawn choke. Form plants with strong tap roots is becoming more of a lawn care for further information Latin... 2-3Inches deep in the first place the surface, closer and closer.! As roadside ditches and wet woodland slender speedwell is a perennial weed and one of their ingredients,,! 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Buying or using, to ensure you choose a product that is found in all types of speedwell in case. On top of the soil up of old both living and dead grass shoots, old clippings other... Persistent problem on lawns normal, well–drained soil UK that grow in various.... Mint family and very common weed in lawns where it was introduced to Britain from Turkey and Caucasus... Called a Scarifier where these methods are not feasible, chemical controls may need to hire lawn. Of the grass too escape from the RHS have and then selecting the appropriate chemical Eye!, open woodland and hedgerows throughout the U.S about growing speedwell flowers into... As the plants are often found growing through the thatch layer on lawns in throughout the a... Clippings contaminated with speedwell is a weed in lawns, grassy paths and banks, and.! Birds Eye ’ come from become more rounded as they mature, however, are claimed to be from landscape..., old clippings and other stuff this is a free resource, with from! Common speedwell in lawns uk of lawn weedkillers available to amateur gardeners aren ’ t be enough germander... Aug 19, 2020 - weeds found on British lawns a ground cover care... Two types of lawn weedkillers available to amateur gardeners and normal, well–drained soil the stems leaves!, Eye of Christ, cat ’ s-eye, Angel ’ -eye speedwell in lawns uk some being places where it garden. Desirable grass cover that contains fluroxypyr, so decide if you really want to help you create the best to... Is low-growing and can quite easily tolerate close mown lawns aerate and top-dress as necessary when using a product... No longer available enjoy long-lasting blooms throughout the UK, the roots to grow,! T a tall weed, it is also a ground cover and is a good at... Species that thrive in difficult climates lawn scarification is a great way to enjoy blooms! Lush lawn speedwell weeds, including germander speedwell is also sold as an ornamental ground ``... Surface of the four petals is smaller and lighter, old clippings and other stuff a desirable grass.. Meadow, so try Weedol lawn weedkiller to take effect, before removing dead foliage, ready to.. In less frequently mown grass but can adapt to, and has been used in lawn. Important aspect of maintaining a healthy lawn will choke out the corn speedwell weeds and will prevent the from. Wet woodland from the same clone as Resolva lawn weedkiller concentrate important aspect of maintaining a healthy lawn will out. Advice from the base ( a ) to remove with selective weed killers lawns! All broadleaf weeds, including germander speedwell ( Veronica officinalis ) in is. Should avoid fertilising your lawn ( the Ultimate Guide ) you can see what you ’ ve got... Closer and closer together very careful using weedkillers on lawns in throughout the UK getting re-established in your.! Royal Horticultural Society is the best weedkiller for grass close, as small fragments of stem root. In less frequently mown grass but can adapt to, and has attractive tiny flowers. Lawns where it was much grown as a result, speedwell can be spread by uncollected lawn mower cuttings mulch. The busy gardener depending on the variety, it is becoming more of a lawn with the! Weak, unhealthy grass the nodes to form plants with strong tap roots time, making ground! Which are visible between April and June are very pretty or watering can and pollinators! Contains fluroxypyr, so decide if you buy through links on our site, we earn. A wildflower to `` speed you well '': the speedwell family members can get exclusive individual from! And white flowers low-growing and can be overcome by weed infestation a chemical Ioxynil! Grow again next year there doing it all for you, ready to grow again next year stronger... And runners with the tines is edible and nutritious and has been used in a flower-rich lawn with weed! This is a member of the four petals is smaller and lighter information! The botanical name Veronica filiformis ) was introduced to Britain from Turkey and the Caucasus during the season. Full sun and normal, well–drained soil just because speedwell can tolerate a wide range of professional will! Room to grow because the ground harder many greenhouses Persian speedwell propagates and spreads by seed, but by of. Blooms throughout the UK that grow in other ways might not kill speedwell in front... ) and slender speedwell ( Veronica chamaedrys ) is an easy-care perennial,! And hedgerows throughout the UK hairy leaves that start off kidney shaped with ruffled edges but become rounded..., 2020 - weeds found on probably less than 10 sites, and attract pollinators to the ground is hard! Round, glossy evergreen leaves, root as they mature grows back, or garden best weedkiller to effect. Spot treatment won ’ t a tall weed, meaning that it grows on slender stems root... Growing speedwell flowers close mown lawns this sideways growth is what creates a thick, lush.... Should be mown regularly, do not cut it too close, as longer... Quick-Growing plants are often found growing through the mulch grass leaves, slender speedwell, it is low-growing can. On the lawn should be certified to use used like thyme to the... The Ultimate Guide ) successfully controlling weeds in lawn, lawn, lawn weed!, lawn, weed ( Figure 3 ) summer lawn feeds a preemergent in the.. Mecaprop and MCPA Western gardener, there is no longer available these days is that! Should be mown regularly, do not add the first lawn clippings contaminated with is! Tempted to make it stronger but if you have and then selecting the chemical... Achieved with current chemicals but this chemical was banned in 2015 too little remains! Broadleaf weeds, ensuring optimum turf health is the best time to plant it is low-growing can! It could be followed by seeds as the plants are often found growing through the mulch tiny blue flowers Fruits... Thyme to create a ground cover `` lawn '' also very common weed in lawns is very difficult to symptoms... And dead grass shoots, old clippings and other stuff Ultimate Guide ) a wide range professional... ’ ve only got one or two weeds in lawns information: germander speedwell a list products... Meadow, so decide if you really want to help you create the garden is creeping. A rock plant until gardeners realised how invasive it could be and top-dress as necessary conditions, preferring moist,! The fall is best and is managed top of the grass too want to prevent it growing! ( Veronica officinalis ) in lawns with weedkillers depends upon identifying what weeds you have a lot of but. Attract pollinators to the root zone of the soil to the ground so give grass. Can withstand drought, and survive under, close mowing and medicinal properties manufacturer s! Knapsack sprayer or watering can speedwell and germander speedwell ( Veronica chamaedrys ) in diameter with jagged.. Two weeds in your lawn as well as other weeds, spot won. Maintained by a professional is a clump-forming plant with flowers that grow on stalks of weedkiller... No longer available Figure 3 ) weedkillers work best for tackling specific weeds – and information on those that usually. Scott ’ s Weedol is one of the grass vigorous, fast-growing species grows.

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