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Georgia Blue Speedwell Veronica

Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue'

  • 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
Regular price $1699
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Plant Size

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

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


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

Description


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.

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.

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