Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscaping

Botanic name

Veronica liwanensis

Pronounciation

veh-RON-ih-ka lee-wan-EN-sis

Mature height

1 to 2 in.

Mature spread

15 to 18 in.

Water usage

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Details

Water use: moderate, low

Flower color: cobalt blue

Bloom time: late spring

Mature height: 1 to 2 in.

Mature spread: 15 to 18 in.

Colorado native: No

Native habitat: Turkey, Caucasus, Ukraine

Light requirements: sun

Cold hardiness: USDA zones 3-10

Elevation limit: hardy to 10,000 ft.

Description

Turkish veronica is a hardy, low-growing groundcover. The one to two-inch high carpet of tiny, glossy green leaves is covered with small, cobalt blue flowers in late spring.

This creeping veronica is less vigorous than other cultivars, making it a nice choice when you want a plant that won't spread too much. The leaves are evergreen, taking on a purplish tinge in winter.

Performance

Turkish veronica has been a resilient groundcover at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. It has been a beautiful plant in rock gardens as well as planted in boulder walls.

The glossy green leaves make it more attractive than the dull green leaves of many of the creeping thymes. Furthermore, it doesn't seem to suffer from winter dieback like many creeping thymes. We highly recommend it.