Should I prune leggy stems?

Yes, trimming back the long stems will help the plant grow back thicker. Do this in late spring after the first flush of growth.

Can I stake my wood speedwell?

You can, but it is better to address the light issue. Staking is a temporary fix for a plant that needs more sun.

Why is my wood speedwell looking leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
Check if nearby plants are blocking the light.
Measure the distance between leaf nodes.

Likely causes

Low light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant is stretching out to find a better light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with more dappled sunlight. You can trim back the long stems to encourage the plant to grow bushier.
Poor airflow
Possible
How to tell: Stems are weak and the plant looks crowded, often accompanied by powdery mildew. This happens when plants are packed too closely together.
What to do: Thin out surrounding plants to improve air circulation. Space your wood speedwell at least 12 inches away from other dense perennials.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wood speedwell

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Legginess is a cosmetic issue that does not kill the plant. It is normal for the plant to look a bit sparse after a long, cloudy winter.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the plant has enough space and bright, indirect light.

Wood speedwell: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wood speedwell and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I prune leggy stems?: Yes, trimming back the long stems will help the plant grow back thicker. Do this in late spring after the first flush of growth.
Can I stake my wood speedwell?: You can, but it is better to address the light issue. Staking is a temporary fix for a plant that needs more sun.

Why is my wood speedwell looking leggy?