Botanical Name: Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’ Common Name: Speedwell, Creeping Speedwell Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9 Size: 6–8" Tall × 12–18" Spread Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Spreading, Groundcover Habit Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade Soil: Well-Drained, Fertile Soil Water Needs: Moderate; Keep Even Moisture for Best Performance Bloom Season: Spring through Early Summer (often reblooms) Fertilizer: Light, Occasional Feeding Encourages Strong Flowering Features: True Sky Blue Flowers, Glossy Green Foliage, Evergreen/ Semi-Evergreen in Mild Winters, Low Maintenance, Pollinator Friendly Uses: Groundcover, Edging, Rock Gardens, Borders, Containers Patent: ✔ Patented Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’

Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’ offers a beautiful carpet of delicate, sky-blue flower clusters that rise just above lush, low mounds of glossy green foliage. Its compact, spreading habit makes it an ideal choice for softening edges, filling in gaps between pavers, and creating continuous color at the front of borders or in rock gardens.

Unlike taller veronica types, ‘Georgia Blue’ stays close to the ground, providing a gentle, calming wash of blue that blends effortlessly into a wide range of landscape styles. The evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage in mild climates adds year-round interest even when not in bloom.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Georgia Blue’ impressed us with its consistent spring performance, abundant flower displays, and tidy growth habit. It handles sun and light shade equally well, maintaining strong color and structure with minimal care.

We especially appreciate its versatility — it works beautifully as a soft groundcover under taller perennials, in mixed containers where low texture is needed, and along pathways where its color can be easily enjoyed up close. Pollinators are drawn to the abundant blooms, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Georgia Blue vs. Other Speedwell

Georgia Blue is fundamentally different from other Speedwell varieties, functioning as a groundcover rather than a vertical accent. Unlike Royal Candles and Red Fox, which grow upright and clump neatly, Georgia Blue spreads low and wide, forming dense mats that hug the ground. Its primary bloom happens early in the season, bringing vibrant blue color well before most upright Speedwells begin flowering. This makes it especially valuable for early interest and transitional spaces in the landscape.

When compared to Moody Blues® Sky Blue, Georgia Blue feels more rugged and functional. It’s less about refined form and more about coverage, erosion control, and seasonal color on slopes, pathways, and rock gardens. While Moody Blues® stays compact and contained, Georgia Blue slowly expands outward, filling space without becoming difficult to manage. For gardeners who need a low-growing Speedwell that works hard and looks good doing it, Georgia Blue fills a role none of the others quite match.