How to Grow Creeping Speedwell Palace Blue
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Creeping Speedwell Palace Blue
Veronica repens 'Palace Blue'
flowerCreeping Speedwell Palace Blue is a low-growing groundcover with vibrant blue flowers and small, glossy green leaves that form dense mats. This cultivar is prized for its intense blue flower color and compact, spreading habit, making it excellent for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
When should you plant Creeping Speedwell Palace Blue in your zone?
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Example Creeping Speedwell Palace Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Creeping Speedwell Palace Blue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Creeping Speedwell Palace Blue blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Creeping Speedwell Palace Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in cooler climates
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Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung transplants with small rosettes and minimal spreading; foliage is compact and green
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. Mulch lightly around plants to retain moisture. Avoid overwatering which causes rot.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksPlant spreads horizontally, producing more stems and denser foliage; no flowers yet
Maintain consistent moisture. Pinch back early if needed to encourage bushier growth. Monitor for slugs and snails.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (spring through summer)Abundant small, bright blue flowers appear along trailing stems; blooms are typically 4-petaled and delicate
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Ensure adequate water and sunlight for peak flower production.
Peak Bloom & Maturity
4-8 weeksDense mat of foliage completely covered with blue flowers; plant reaches full spread potential
Continue deadheading for extended bloom. Reduce fertilizer to avoid excess vegetative growth. Water as needed during dry spells.
Decline & Winter Dormancy
Ongoing through winterFlowering slows as temperatures cool; foliage may become bronze-tinged in cold climates; some evergreen foliage persists
Cease deadheading to allow seed formation if desired. Reduce watering significantly. No supplemental fertilizer needed. Protect from harsh winds in colder zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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and
Remove debris where they hide, use copper tape barriers, hand-pick early morning or evening, apply neem oil or iron phosphate baits
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Increase humidity and air circulation, spray with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation severe
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray if needed, remove affected leaves
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Improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, remove affected plants, avoid overhead watering, ensure soil doesn't remain soggy
Uses
Herbal tea infusion
CulinaryHistorically, speedwell species have been used to make a mild herbal tea with purported respiratory benefits. The aerial parts were traditionally dried and brewed. [source]
Traditional respiratory support
MedicinalSpeedwell has been traditionally used in European herbalism for supporting respiratory health and general wellness, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Groundcover and erosion control
HouseholdThe dense, spreading mat formation makes it ideal for stabilizing soil on slopes, preventing erosion, and creating living mulch in garden beds. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
CraftThe delicate blue flowers can be harvested for small bouquets and are prized for adding color and texture to floral designs and pressed flower crafts. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeSmall bees and other pollinating insects are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, making Palace Blue an excellent choice for supporting beneficial insects in the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Creeping Speedwell is ornamental and not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flowers regularly during the growing season to promote continuous blooming. Cut back foliage in early spring to remove any dead or winter-damaged stems and encourage fresh growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The genus name Veronica is said to derive from Saint Veronica, and some speedwell species were historically considered sacred to her in medieval herb gardens.
- 🌱 Creeping Speedwell's intense blue flowers contain anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds responsible for the color in blueberries and can range from deep blue to purple depending on soil pH.
- 🌱 Palace Blue is a selected cultivar that produces flowers significantly darker and more vibrant than the species form, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking bold blue color in groundcover plantings.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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