Speedwell (Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue')
Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' is a low-mounding Speedwell celebrated for its showy blue flowers and durable ground cover habit.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ offers exceptional value as a dependable, spreading ground cover, creating a dense mat of foliage punctuated by vibrant blue blooms in spring. This specific cultivar of Speedwell is prized for quickly covering bare spots and providing early season color when many other perennials are just waking up. Gardeners seeking low-input color will appreciate the maintenance level associated with Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’.
The plant is naturally tenacious, spreading outward via creeping stems to form a substantial carpet, making it excellent for naturalizing areas or softening hardscapes. While its main show occurs in spring, the foliage transitions beautifully, offering interest from early spring green to bronze tones in the fall. Knowing the specific needs of Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ ensures a successful, low-effort display in suitable climates.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant this Speedwell in an ideal location during the spring or early fall when conditions are favorable for root establishment. Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ thrives best when situated in average, well-drained soil that receives full sun exposure throughout the day. Critically, gardeners must avoid areas where water pools, as wet or poorly drained soils are detrimental to its health.
Once established, watering needs are moderate; ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, but never allow the plant to sit in standing water. This low-maintenance perennial usually requires little to no supplemental feeding. For improved vigor and a tidier appearance after the major flush of bloom in late spring, shear the plants back lightly to stimulate new foliage growth.
If you garden near the Zone 6 boundary, pay close attention to winter protection. In areas like the St. Louis region, it is advisable to site Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ in a sheltered spot away from harsh winter winds and apply a good application of winter mulch to boost its hardiness for the following season.
Landscape Uses
Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ excels where dense coverage is required, making it a premier choice for ground cover applications beneath shallow-rooted trees or across inclines. Its low stature and spreading habit are perfect for softening the edges of borders or nestled among rocks in rock gardens. Integrate this dynamic Speedwell near gravel paths or along the fronts of perennial borders where its emerging spring color can contrast with later bloomers.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Veronica peduncularis is native to the Caucusus, Ukraine and western Asia, presenting as a low-growing perennial that forms a dense foliage mat, spreading widely via creeping stems. Its foliage mound is traditionally covered by white flowers with pink veins, though this cultivar, ‘Georgia Blue,’ is specifically selected for its vibrant spires of tiny, round blue flowers blooming reliably from late April into May, often returning intermittently through summer. The leaves transition from reddish-green in spring to deep green in summer, finishing with bronze tones in the autumn, providing excellent seasonal dynamics for a low cover.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
No serious insect or disease problems are typically associated with growing Speedwell. Maintaining good garden hygiene and ensuring proper soil drainage remain the best preventative measures against most potential issues. Monitor for signs of stress, particularly if the plant exhibits yellowing foliage, which often indicates overwatering or poor soil drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Speedwell suitable for?
Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9, though extra winter protection may be needed in colder parts of Zone 6.
How large does Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ grow?
This perennial typically maintains a low profile, reaching only 0.5 to 0.75 feet tall, while spreading outward to cover an area between 0.5 and 1 foot wide.
When does Speedwell bloom?
The peak bloom time for Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ is typically from April to May, featuring its characteristic blue flowers.
What sun exposure does Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ need?
This variety performs best when positioned in full sun, although it can tolerate some light afternoon shade, provided the soil remains well-drained.
Conclusion
The reliable spreading habits, low stature, and striking blue flowers make Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ an indispensable addition for practical landscaping coverage. This vibrant Speedwell maintains interest across multiple seasons, asking very little maintenance in return. Before planting, confirm that your site offers full sun and excellent soil drainage to ensure this perennial thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ should focus on plants that share its preference for full sun and medium moisture, while offering contrasting textures or bloom times. Consider pairing this low blue carpet with taller, late-blooming perennials like Salvia or certain varieties of shorter Daylilies that emerge later in the season. Its rapid spread makes it useful for filling gaps around spring-flowering bulbs, where it can transition from covering bulbs to masking their fading foliage by early summer.
Container Growing
While primarily valued as a ground cover, Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ can perform beautifully in mixed containers, provided drainage is impeccable. When grown in pots, use a high-quality potting mix amended with extra grit or perlite to prevent compaction and saturation, which this Speedwell strongly dislikes. Ensure containers are housed in a location receiving ample sunlight to encourage the densest, most vibrant blue flowering display, and be prepared to slightly increase supplemental watering compared to in-ground specimens.
