Plant of the Month May 2026
Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’.
GENERAL INFORMATION: This delightful plant was discovered by Roy Lancaster in the Republic of Georgia in 1979. I saw it in a wonderful bed at Ness Botanic Gardens 12 years later and was impressed. Veronica species are in the family Plantaginaceae, formerly in the Scrophulariaceae..
Synonym: Veronica pedicularis ‘Georgia Blue’.
Common Name: Georgia Blue speedwell.
Life Cycle: Herbaceous semi-evergreen perennial.
Height: to 10 cm with a spread of 1m.
Bloom Time: May to June in Southern Ontario with sporadic flowering during the summer.
Flower Colour & Size: Small, bright blue flowers with a conspicuous white eye.
Scent: Faint to none.
Leaves: Very small, lance-shaped, deep green, bronze tinted, semi-evergreen leaves.
Range: West Caucasus mountains.
Habitat: Grows in the alpine regions.
CULTIVATION:
Plant: Divide frequently to maintain vigour.
Light: Full sun, with some protection rom very strong sunlight.
Soil: Most well drained soils.
Water: Average.
USDA Hardiness: Zones 4-9.
Companion planting: Rock garden plants.
Pests and diseases: Usually problem free. (May have some susceptibility to mildews.)
Pollinators: Butterflies, humming birds.
Propagation: Divide in spring or fall.
Seeds: May not come true from seed.
Toxicity: No known toxicity
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References:
https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/veronica-umbrosa-georgia-blue/
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/veronica-umbrosa-georgia-blue-speedwell