First Love Speedwell (Veronica ‘First Love’)

First Love Speedwell

Veronica ‘First Love’

Soft pink blooms cascade like blushing clouds, a low-growing groundcover with long-lasting color. Herbaceous perennial; common name: First Love Speedwell.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun for maximum bloom production, with mild afternoon shade in hot, arid regions
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soils
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Temperature Cold hardy to -30°C; tolerates summer heat up to 35°C with consistent moisture
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow lance-shaped glossy green foliage, forming tight, weed-suppressing mats
  • Flower: Spikes of tiny soft pink to pale rose blooms, held 5–10 cm above foliage
  • Stem: Slender trailing to upright stems that root at nodes to spread growth
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active bloom periods to support flower longevity

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release granular feed once at emergence. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent leggy growth and reduced flowering

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant and gently work into the top 1 cm of soil to avoid root disturbance
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage extended blooming into mid-summer
  • Trim back faded foliage to 2–3 cm above soil level in late autumn to tidy growth
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to maintain vigor
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no risk of illness from ingestion or contact

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, border edging, container filler, and slope stabilization