Georgia Blue Speedwell Veronica

Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue'

Nature Hills Nursery

Evergreen Georgia Blue Speedwell Blooms Late Winter to Spring When Most Gardens Sleep
Thrives in Zones 6-9
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Blue Blooms From Early Spring to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This groundcover thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct light to maintain its intense azure color and tight growth habit. While it handles partial shade, expect fewer flowers and a more "leggy" or open appearance if it does not get enough brightness.
Soil: Aim for well-drained soil that acts like a wrung-out sponge, holding some moisture without being soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or fine gravel to improve drainage, as "wet feet" in winter is the quickest way to lose this plant.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to help the roots knit into your soil. Once established, Georgia Blue is remarkably drought tolerant, but providing a deep soak during record-breaking summer heat keeps the foliage from turning crispy or brown. Inconsistent moisture usually leads to a shorter bloom window and less vibrant burgundy fall color.

Pruning Tips

This perennial blooms on old wood from the previous season, so avoid the urge to "tidy up" in late fall or early spring. Instead, wait until the first heavy flush of blue flowers fades in late spring, then shear the entire plant back by half like a light haircut. This encourages a fresh carpet of foliage and often triggers a smaller second bloom in late summer.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring just as new green growth appears to fuel the heavy blooming period. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late summer, as this forces soft, tender growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost, leaving the plant vulnerable to winter kill.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Groundcover, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive, Evergreen
Hardiness Zone	5b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring, Fall
Flower Color	Blue
Foliage Color	Green, Other
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue'
Species	peduncularis
Cultivar	Georgia Blue
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Georgia Blue Speedwell Offers Year-Round Charm

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!

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. It's 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 maintain 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Blue Speedwell perennial or annual?

Georgia Blue Speedwell is a low-growing evergreen perennial that provides year-round interest in zones 6-9. This hardy groundcover stays evergreen in zones 7-9 and semi-evergreen in zone 6, blooming twice yearly in early spring and fall. Plant it as reliable permanent groundcover that will return stronger each season.

What is the mature size and spread of Georgia Blue Speedwell?

Georgia Blue Speedwell stays compact at just 6-8 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide, forming dense groundcover mats. This low-growing perennial works perfectly for edging paths or filling front border spaces. Shop at Nature Hills for this tidy spreader that won't overwhelm nearby plants.

Is Georgia Blue Speedwell evergreen, and in which zones?

Georgia Blue Speedwell is evergreen in zones 7-9 and semi-evergreen in zone 6. In colder climates, it may lose some foliage but retains its bronze-red winter color. Plant it where you want year-round ground coverage with seasonal interest.

What are the sun and shade requirements for Georgia Blue Speedwell?

Georgia Blue Speedwell thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. This adaptable groundcover performs well in various light situations, though it appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter climates. For best results, provide morning sun with protection during the hottest part of the day.

What soil types does Georgia Blue Speedwell prefer or tolerate?

Georgia Blue Speedwell thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky conditions once established. This drought-tolerant groundcover actually prefers lean soils over rich, fertile ground. For best results, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in Zones 6-9 where it's available at naturehills.com.

Is Georgia Blue Speedwell drought tolerant once established?

Yes, Georgia Blue Speedwell is drought-tolerant once established. This hardy groundcover develops a resilient root system that can handle dry conditions after its first growing season. Water regularly the first year, then it will thrive with minimal irrigation.

Is Georgia Blue Speedwell deer resistant?

Yes, Georgia Blue Speedwell is deer resistant once established. This hardy groundcover also tolerates drought well after it settles in. Plant it confidently in areas where deer browse, as they typically avoid this low-growing perennial.

When is Georgia Blue Speedwell available for purchase or shipping?

Georgia Blue Speedwell is typically available for purchase in early spring and fall when nurseries stock perennials. This hardy groundcover ships best during cooler months when it's not actively blooming. Order in late winter for spring planting in zones 6-9 to enjoy those early violet-blue flowers.

What are the best companion plants for Georgia Blue Speedwell?

Georgia Blue Speedwell pairs beautifully with spring bulbs, hostas, and other shade perennials that complement its early bloom time. Since it stays just 6-8 inches tall and spreads 6-18 inches wide, plant it with taller companions like coral bells or astilbe. Choose plants with similar moisture needs for zones 6-9.

Georgia Blue Speedwell Veronica

Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue'