Say Veronica, and many of us picture flower spikes rising a foot or two in mid-border. But another category of “speedwell” keeps a lower profile. These varieties charm as groundcovers and edging, or planted as a “spiller” in containers or beside stone walls. Here’s the lowdown.

Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’

Mats of small round leaves disappear under a slathering of tiny blue flowers with white eye zones. The foliage turns dark green in summer, then bronze in fall. The name is from Eurasian Georgia, not Dixie. 

Just 4 – 6” tall, hardy in Zones 4 – 8.

Veronica ‘Tidal Pool’ PP23341

Mid-green, oak-like lobed leaves form prostrate mats, covered by deep violet-blue flowers in April – May. Tolerates a range of soil types. 

Standing just 2 – 3” tall, this creeping speedwell is hardy in Zones 4-8.

Veronica ‘Whitewater’ PP22783

Go with the flow! Glistening ½” white flowers over lustrous, dark green leaves. Blooms from late April well into June, peaking in mid-May. 

Standing 4 – 6” tall, it’s hardy in Zones 4 – 7.

Hortrivia

Veronica is a widespread genus of about 500 species, distributed widely in the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are edible, and a few are used medicinally. The genus name is associated with Saint Veronica. Aren’t you glad you asked?

The spiky varieties are lovely, of course, but don’t overlook the low-growers. Tall or small, they all come in quick-transplanting, fast-finishing 72s from Emerald Coast Growers. We work hard to be your easy choice!