Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 20cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Plantaginaceae
Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ is a vigorous evergreen herbaceous perennial with a mat forming, spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are ovate to oblong with serrate margins, up to 25mm long and 10mm broad. Its leaves turn bronze during the colder months. Its blue flowers have four petals, appear on short, loose, axillary racemes and are up to 1cm across.
The species Veronica peduncularis, commonly known as Creeping Speedwell, is native to the south western Russia region and the Caucasus.
The etymological root of the binomial name Veronica is named for Saint Veronica, who in Christian mythology gave Christ her veil to wipe his forehead while carrying the cross. Peduncularis is derived from the Latin meaning ‘its flowers supported on a distinct stalk’.
The landscape architect may find Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ useful as an effective low growing ground cover. This perennial is not attractive to rabbits or deer.
Ecologically, Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate poor soils, but dislikes wet soils.
Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in autumn.
