Do you want to make your speedwell bloom again? Whether it’s a garden favorite or a newly purchased plant, getting your speedwell to flourish can be simple with a little care and attention. Learn the best ways to maintain your speedwell and discover natural, homemade fertilizers that will boost its growth.
Where to Plant Your Speedwell?
Speedwell, or Hebe, is a versatile plant that can thrive in different environments, but it’s important to select the right spot. My grandmother planted hers under thujas, where the plant only receives morning sunlight. This partial shade helps protect the speedwell from the harsh afternoon sun, making it perfect for a healthy bloom.
To keep your speedwell happy, choose a partially shaded area with good airflow. While it can tolerate sun, high summer temperatures can be harsh, so be mindful of the climate in your area.
How to Maintain Your Speedwell
Regular watering is essential, especially during heatwaves. Speedwell appreciates a steady water supply but does not like to sit in soggy soil, so ensure good drainage. Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms and keep your plant looking fresh.
Speedwell comes in two main types: perennial and shrubby. Perennials are hardy and can endure cold temperatures, while shrubby varieties need extra protection in the winter. Mulch around the base or place shrubby speedwells in containers for winter protection. My grandmother always used dried leaves from the thujas to keep her plants safe during the cold months.
Boost Your Speedwell’s Flowering
Sometimes, your speedwell may need an extra nutrient boost to produce more flowers. Here are some homemade fertilizers that will do the trick:
- Banana Peel Infusion: Soak banana peels in water for a few days. This mixture is rich in potassium, a key nutrient for flower development.
- Crushed Eggshells: Eggshells provide calcium to strengthen roots and improve blooms. Crush them and mix them into the soil, but be patient, as it takes time to see results.
- Coffee Grounds: Full of nitrogen, coffee grounds help improve soil structure. Sprinkle around the base of your speedwell, but avoid using too much, as excess nitrogen can encourage leaf growth instead of flowers.
- Compost Tea: Steep compost in water for a few days, then use the nutrient-rich liquid to water your plant.
- Vegetable Cooking Water: After cooking vegetables, save the water (without salt or oil). This liquid is full of beneficial minerals for your speedwell.
- Nettle Manure: Nettle manure is rich in nitrogen. Soak nettles in water for about two weeks, dilute the liquid, and water your plant with this natural fertilizer.
- Wood Ash: Wood ashes contain potassium and phosphorus, which are essential for flower production. Mix lightly into the soil, but be cautious not to overdo it.
- Rice Water: Rice rinse water is a simple yet effective fertilizer. Save it and use it to water your speedwell when needed.
These natural fertilizers are not only eco-friendly but also economical, allowing you to provide the necessary nutrients to your plant without harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips from my grandmother, you can make your speedwell bloom beautifully year after year. Whether you’re looking for the best planting location, maintenance tips, or homemade fertilizers, these methods will help your speedwell thrive in a natural, sustainable way.
Feel free to share these tips with fellow gardeners or on social media with the hashtag #deavita. Happy gardening!
