Product Description
Veronica penduncularis 'Georgia Blue' (3.5-inch pot)
Common names: Georgia Blue Speedwell
- Height: 4-6 Inches
- Spread: 18-24 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Evergreen perennial
- Early Spring Blooms
- Winter Color
- Drought resistant once established
Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' is a low-growing, semi-evergreen, spreading perennial that is known for its small, bright blue flowers with white eyes that bloom in early spring lasting 4+ weeks. The small, dark green leaves have a hue of purple through the Summer and turn bronzy-purple in the Winter.
Veronica 'Georgia Blue' grows to be 4-6 inches tall and spreads to 18-24 inches wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Creeps and covers quickly and once established it is drought resistant.
Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be grown as a groundcover, in rock gardens, underplanting larger plants, slopes, borders/beds, rock gardens, edging walls, and containers.
Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' is a delightful, low-growing groundcover that offers a vibrant display of blue flowers in early spring. It is a fantastic choice for adding color and texture to rock gardens, borders, or pathways. Here is a closer look at its features:
Appearance and Characteristics:
- Brilliant Blue Flowers: 'Georgia Blue' is known for its masses of small, sky-blue flowers with white centers that bloom profusely in early spring. The flowers create a stunning carpet of color that contrasts beautifully with the foliage.
- Low-Growing and Spreading: It is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial that forms a dense mat, typically reaching 4-6 inches tall and spreading 18-24 inches wide.
- Attractive Foliage: The small, dark green leaves are slightly glossy and provide a lush backdrop for the flowers. In cooler months, the foliage often takes on burgundy or bronze tones, adding winter interest.
Growing Conditions:
- Full Sun: 'Georgia Blue' thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but flowering may be reduced.
- Well-Drained Soil: It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including poor, rocky soils. It dislikes wet feet and is prone to root rot in soggy conditions.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Uses in Landscaping:
- Groundcover: 'Georgia Blue' is an excellent groundcover for small areas, slopes, and rock gardens.
- Edging: It can be used to create a colorful border along pathways or flower beds.
- Containers: It is also well-suited for containers, where its trailing habit can be showcased.
- Rock Gardens: It can be tucked into crevices in rock gardens, softening the hardscape and adding color.
Benefits:
- Showy Flowers: The vibrant blue flowers create a beautiful display in early spring.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care.
- Drought Tolerant: It can withstand dry conditions once established.
- Deer Resistant: Deer generally avoid eating Veronica.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Can be Aggressive: In ideal conditions, it can spread aggressively, so it may need to be contained.
Additional Tips:
- Planting: The best time to plant is in spring or fall.
- Spacing: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Maintenance: Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Overall, Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue' is a charming and versatile groundcover that offers a vibrant display of blue flowers and attractive foliage. Its low-maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and deer resistance make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a colorful and reliable groundcover.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
