Return to the Perennials Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Veronica Sunshine creeping speedwell

Posted by linnea56 z5 IL (My Page) on
Tue, May 6, 14 at 22:17

I picked up a 6 pack of this yesterday as a groundcover. It has beautiful golden leaves. Now, in researching this, I am finding such conflicting information. I am in Zone 5, Chicago.

One site says Zone 6 and higher. Another Zone 4 and higher. One says purple flowers, another white. One says dry to medium conditions, the other moist.

Well, half of these could mean a very short life for this plant. :( One site says it can take moderate foot traffic, but considering all the discrepancies above, I don't know who to believe.

I need a ground cover that can take a certain amount of foot traffic, really more having the hose dragged across it. I had one of the dark purple leaved ajugas in mind, but now I am thinking of adding this, in the area where it will be most helpful that the groundcover be short. Wouldn't THAT be an eye-popping color combination! Near by are purple and golden leaved heucheras, so these could be a nice color echo, if they are compatible and do not completely grow into each other's territory.

Does anyone on Zone 5 or lower grow this, and can tell me more about it? Thanks!


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Veronica Sunshine creeping speedwell

I have one in the front yard. Its in a mostly sunny spot, decent soil (not too sandy, not too rich) with some hardy cactus, russian sage and salvias. Mine doubled in size last year (first year) and I know it bloomed for a little bit at one point but I honestly can't say I remember the color. I remember reading, too, that it could be white or it could be a blue/lilac color. Having said that, I don't think its really grown for the flowers - I chose it because its low-growing habits and color (you're absolutely right - this with a dark purple ajuga would be beautiful! Like I said, mine is with the dark purples of salvia and light blues of russian sage but a deep, almost black purple would be beautiful with this!).
I'm right on the border of zone 5 and 6 in Michigan. I'm sure I don't need to tell you what a crazy winter we had and, even though snow insulates, we still had a few weeks for -10° and my creeping sunshine made it through. Never dragged a hose across mine, and its still quite small, but it seems to be very dense and matted so I would imagine, after a little maturing, it would be able to stand up against a hose.
If you already have them give them a try and if they don't work out then I have some false lamium I can send you... talk about a resilient ground cover (JUST KIDDING lol)


 o
RE: Veronica Sunshine creeping speedwell

Just saw mine blooming the other day and they were white FYI. Just wanted to update you.


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Perennials Forum

Information about Posting

  • You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
  • We have a strict no-advertising policy!
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.


Learn more about in-text links on this page here