Veronica looking burned

Question: Hi All! Thank you for your knowledge and service. 

I have a client with veronica that has started to die back, both in front, less protected and pretty sunny, and in back where it's very protected. It gets watered reasonably, not over- or under-. Have you seen this where it looks black when it dies? If so, is it natural, or should I be looking for a "culprit". It's probably not animals since it's in multiple locations and the back yard is not open to animals entering easily.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 29, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT
response: Dear Michele: Thank you for contacting Colorado State University Lawn & Garden Help Desk regarding the veronica. In order for us to assess the situation, we would like to find out a little more about the plant and watering practice.  First, it would be helpful if you can tell us what type of veronica you have growing. Speedwell comes in varieties of size and shade.  Second, if black blotches appear in leaves, those can be simply cut off as long as they are minor blemishes. Fungi are the main cause of those black blotches, and this is mainly due to poor air circulation/overcrowded condition and overwatering. If you can dig up the died-back plants and see what the roots may look like, it would speak a volume. Are the roots dry and not holding onto the soil? Then probably it needs/needed water. Are the roots slimy and soil is saturated? That would be a sign of overwatering. Veronica/speedwell need moderate water when young and being established, and during the dry spell. Once they are established with good watering practice, they are able to handle the stresses of heat and periods of less water; however, that does not mean it is completely drought proof.  I hope this email is a good starting point to investigate the culprit. Thank you. Nat W. Colorado Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 31, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the information so far. Here's what I can add based on your questions:  The flowers are blue-ish purple. Doing a search by phone it said "water lettuce" (ha, ha), but it's more likely Veronica Repens.Cathe dug up both a damaged and healthy section and the roots look the same (holding onto soil, and not slimy or saturated). The area gets watered for about 6 minutes three times a week (if we haven't had rain) with spray-type sprinkler heads. Overcrowding seems like the most likely possibility from what was already mentioned, because they've had the same type of care for at least 15 years. Thoughts? Michele--Michele E. MukatisOwner, Cultivate Healthwww.CultivateHealthColorado.comProject Manager, Pikes Peak Vethttp://www.pikespeakvet.com/On Thu, Aug 29, 2024 at 2:59 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 05, 2024, 1:19 PM EDT
response: Just checking in since I sent more feedback five days ago. See below.M-On Sat, Aug 31, 2024, 9:53 AM Michele Mukatis <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Thank you for the information so far. Here's what I can add based on your questions:  The flowers are blue-ish purple. Doing a search by phone it said "water lettuce" (ha, ha), but it's more likely Veronica Repens.Cathe dug up both a damaged and healthy section and the roots look the same (holding onto soil, and not slimy or saturated). The area gets watered for about 6 minutes three times a week (if we haven't had rain) with spray-type sprinkler heads. Overcrowding seems like the most likely possibility from what was already mentioned, because they've had the same type of care for at least 15 years. Thoughts? Michele--Michele E. MukatisOwner, Cultivate Healthwww.CultivateHealthColorado.comProject Manager, Pikes Peak Vethttp://www.pikespeakvet.com/On Thu, Aug 29, 2024 at 2:59 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT
response: Hi, Michele, I saw this question about Cathe's veronica in front in the sun and in back in the shade/part shade. I think that the resolution of the problem will be to dig up the dead parts to allow room for the healthier parts to creep and grow into that area (or plant new plants).  While you have the area uncovered, it might not be a bad idea to check the soil and possibly even do a soil test to see what might be going on. Veronica doesn't need much added nutrients once established but it may have depleted the soil of what it does need. You will want to get that information before more sections die off. Sincerely, Jan B. Colorado Master Gardener

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 09, 2024, 6:04 PM EDT
response: Michele:   Thank you for checking back with us – my apologies that your updated information did not get a swifter reply.    I want to be certain that I am looking at the correct plant in the picture, as there appear to be two separate ones.  The plant in the middle of the picture that appears to be dying out looks to me like creeping thyme.  Is this the plant you are referring to?  Are you sure that this is veronica repens?  It is difficult for me to say definitively without a more enlarged photograph.  In either event, center die back is fairly common with both of these ground covers, particularly with plants of this age.  It would be a good idea to clean the plants out that have died back and then re-plant the area in the Spring.  You could try to re-plant now, but our average first frost is a little over 30 days away, and you may not have adequate time to get the new plants established in that period of time.     I hope that this helps.  Feel free to get back in touch if we can be of any further assistance.   Sincerely, Trudi M. Colorado Master Gardener      ____________________________________________________________________________     Our in-person help desk is now open for the season! You may visit us at 17 N. Spruce St. on Mondays or Wednesdays from 9-12 or 1-4. You can also call us at<personal data hidden> or email questions anytime to <personal data hidden>.      Join us for our NEW After Hours Gardening Answers on Zoom! You can talk to us on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6pm via Zoom and show us your plants for real-time gardening help. Sign up using this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcodOyoqz4uE9ztaaiepXsk9LuucdEcWZiF#/registration     For more information, follow us on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoMasterGardeners.EPC, or check out our events and workshops here:  https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/classes-and-workshops/     Colorado State University is an equal access and equal opportunity employer. Extension programs are available to all without d?iscrimination. Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Colorado counties cooperating.     Your email will be added to our email list unless you notify us otherwise. We do not share our email list.  From: ask=<personal data hidden> On Behalf Of Ask Extension Sent: Thursday, September 5, 2024 11:19 AM To: CSUmg2  Subject: New response added to your question (#0153224)

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 09, 2024, 7:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you Trudi! Yes, we are sure it's veronica and not thyme. Your conclusion to clean out the dead and divide an conquer in the spring is the direction we are going as well. I appreciate you all and know how hard you work!Michele--Michele E. MukatisOwner, Cultivate Healthwww.CultivateHealthColorado.comProject Manager, Pikes Peak Vethttp://www.pikespeakvet.com/On Mon, Sep 9, 2024 at 4:04 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: