Glaucous Speedwell (Veronica opaca)

Glaucous Speedwell

Veronica opaca

Low-growing mat of blue blooms brings soft charm to rock gardens. Perennial groundcover; common name: glaucous speedwell.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot, dry climates to prevent leaf scorch
💧
Watering Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained soil
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -15°C; withstands mild summer heat up to 25°C; protect from prolonged extreme drought
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, oval to oblong, glaucous blue-green, opposite arrangement
  • Flower: Tiny, deep blue, four-petaled spikes clustered at stem tips
  • Stem: Slender, trailing, rooting at nodes to form dense, spreading mats
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Use half-strength fertilizer to avoid overfeeding

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per plant every 3 months to boost soil drainage and calcium levels without causing nutrient buildup
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage extended blooming through early summer
  • Trim back overgrown mats in late autumn to maintain a compact, tidy form
  • Remove yellowed or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Groundcover for rock gardens, border edging, and container trailing accents; pollinator-friendly for native bees