Rhapsody in Blue?

There are flowers bursting out everywhere, thanks to the warm weather and – dare I say it? – summer.  The more obvious bluebells abound near houses, though the true native  bluebell  (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)is a scarcity here, as most of the plants you will see are the garden variety or Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) or a cross between the two (Hyacinthoides x massartiana).  For more information check out this Plantlife article.

Spanish and hybrid Bluebells by Loch Imrich

The other obvious blue flowers that are out now are the Speedwells.  These are much smaller than bluebells . I have  already mentioned  the Slender Speedwell (Veronica filiformis) in a previous post. There are several  other kinds and I found three of them in my garden whilst weeding the veg patch. Here they are (after being weeded…)

Wall Speedwell, Thyme-leaved Speedwell and 2 Germander Speedwell

The most obvious one is Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), which forms large patches. It has the largest flower and leaf.

Germander Speedwell

Germander Speedwell

Next is the Thyme-leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) which has a smaller flower with  white and purple on the petals.

Thyme-leaved Speedwell

Then, with a tiny deep blue flower, is Wall Speedwell (Veronica arvensis). I have never seen it in walls but it does like dry ground.

Wall Speedwell

 All quite small, but if you don't mind getting on your hands and knees for a closer look, very beautiful.

 Links

Plantlife What is the difference between Spanish and Native Bluebells?

Slender Speedwell post