Georgia Blue Speedwell Veronica

Georgia Blue Speedwell (Veronica umbrosa 'Georgia Blue') is a gem of a groundcover that's perfect for gardeners craving color early in the season. Native to the Caucasus region of Eurasia, this low-growing, evergreen perennial erupts in vivid violet-blue blooms as early as late winter and into spring, just when you think Ma Nature is still asleep!

The petite, five-petaled flowers glow against bronze-tinged foliage, and while it isn't fragrant, its cheerfulness alone makes it a must-grow. This Speedwell hugs the ground, forming dense mats of wiry stems with small, rounded, glossy green leaves that take on a reddish hue in fall and winter.

Only growing just a wee 6-8 inches tall, it gently spreads to around 6-12 inches wide. The flowers rise just above the foliage, creating a carpet effect, especially eye-catching along pathways or spilling from containers.

Once flowering subsides, its foliage stays handsome, making it a four-season performer in mild climates. However, Georgia Blue is a reblooming variety that can surprise you again in fall with another flush of color!

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Key Features

• Reblooming deep blue-violet flowers in early spring and again in fall
• Evergreen groundcover with reddish-tinged winter foliage
• Grows very short carpets that spread about a foot wide
• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established
• Evergreen in Zones 7-9; semi-evergreen in Zone 6

Landscaping Uses

In folklore, Speedwell symbolizes healing and protection, and it sure lives up to its name! Spreading quickly but politely. With its tidy, spreading habit and burst of early bloom, Georgia Blue Speedwell is a charming 3-6 inch tall perennial groundcover that spreads up to 18 inches wide.

• Front of borders or flower beds
• Edging for walkways and garden paths
• Cascading over rock walls or container edges
• Underplanting for spring bulbs or taller perennials
• Massed as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas
• Perfect between stepping stones
• Great for slopes and erosion control

Care and Maintenance

Hardy in USDA Zones 6-9, Georgia Blue thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates a range of soil types, from clay to sandy loam. Its aromatic foliage is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, and can handle humid Southern summers with grace. It belongs to the larger Veronica family, known for its resilience and garden versatility.

As an evergreen or semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial, Georgia Blue Speedwell is tough as nails and well-suited for low-maintenance gardens. It brings beauty early in the season and keeps on giving.

• Planting Time: Spring or early fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun to part/afternoon shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained; handles clay, loam, and sandy soils
• Moisture Needs: Average moisture; drought-tolerant once established
• Arborist Mulch: 3-4 inches of bark mulch helps conserve moisture and insulate roots
• Fertilization Needs: Light compost topdressing in spring; avoid overfeeding
• Pruning Info: Light shear after bloom encourages rebloom and maintains a tidy shape
• Special Needs/Perks:
• Deer and rabbit-resistant
• Handles mild foot traffic
• Tolerates humid climates
• Handles urban pollution
• Division Info: Divide every 3?4 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor

Speed Your Way to a Blooming Groundcover

You'll fall head over heels for Georgia Blue Speedwell's charm and ground-hugging blooms. With its early violet-blue flowers, evergreen appeal, and carefree nature, it's the kind of plant that brings joy without demanding much. Whether edging a border or cascading from a container, this Speedwell speeds ahead in beauty and adaptability.

Buy yours now, and Nature Hills will ship this garden treasure at the perfect planting time for your growing zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Blue Speedwell evergreen?
Yes, in Zones 7-9, it stays evergreen. In Zone 6, it may be semi-evergreen depending on winter severity.

How fast does Georgia Blue Speedwell spread?
It spreads moderately/quickly enough to form a dense mini-mat, but never aggressively.

Can I grow Georgia Blue Speedwell in containers?
Absolutely! It's lovely trailing over the edge of pots, especially when combined with spring bulbs or taller annuals.

Is Georgia Blue Speedwell invasive?
No, it spreads politely and is well-behaved in garden settings.

Does it attract pollinators?
Yes! Bees and butterflies are drawn to its early nectar-rich flowers.