Scrophulariaceae; nativity in text below.

Germination: Best sown indoors at a temperature of 65-70° with germination occurring in 15-20 days. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in spring or summer, up to two months before first frost.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 12-15 inches apart in full sun to part shade in any average, moist garden soil with excellent drainage.

Appearance and Use: Handy for borders, edging, rock gardens, ground cover, and cut flowers. Throughout the summer, the following species bear 6-8 inch spikes of tiny flowers. V. incana, Woolly Speedwell, grows 9-24 inches tall with white to silver, woolly, matted, 3 inch leaves and violet-blue flowers. Hardy from Zones 3-7; native to north Asia and Russia. V. latifolia grows 18-24 inches tall with bright blue or reddish flowers. It makes a good ground cover. Hardy from Zones 4-7; native to Europe. V. longifolia grows 2 1/2-3 1/2 inches tall with deep blue flowers. Hardy from Zones 4-8; native to Europe and Asia. V. repens, Creeping Speedwell, is mat-forming from 2-4 inches tall with moss-like, shiny leaves and rose or light blue flowers. Zones 4-7; native to Corsica and Spain. V. spicata var. rosea is a rare variety that grows 12-18 inches tall with rose-pink flowers. Zones 3-7; native to Europe and Asia.