The Fast-Growing Ground Cover That Can Take The Heat & Attracts Hummingbirds To Your Yard

Finding an attractive ground cover that can handle a lot of heat and sunlight can be a challenge. But there is a variety of speedwell (Veronica peduncularis) called 'Georgia Blue' that manages to pair those qualities with a quick growth rate ideal for covering large areas. Note that although 'Georgia Blue' is most frequently identified under the aforementioned scientific name, its proper name is Veronica umbrosa, and the confusion is the result of a mistake. 

Numerous speedwell species exist, with many featuring a low-lying growth. This type of speedwell, native to the Caucasus Mountains, Ukraine, and western Asia, spreads out quickly via creeping rootstocks. However, 'Georgia Blue' is not an aggressive cultivar that will take over your garden beds. Plus, it's one of the best ground covers that can thrive in even the harshest sun, which is essential if your yard lacks shade.

Not all flowers that attract hummingbirds are red, and 'Georgia Blue' is a great example. As its name suggests, 'Georgia Blue' blooms beautiful tiny blue flowers in late April to May, with some more blooms often appearing into summer. These cheerful flowers attract not only hummingbirds but bees and butterflies as well. Mass planting is an easy tip for attracting more hummingbirds, and the 'Georgia Blue' cultivar performs well in large groups and easily spreads into short, dense mats.

If your garden is lacking a sun-tolerant perennial that will attract hummingbirds to your yard, speedwell is a rugged little plant with a long bloom time. The 'Georgia Blue' cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and enjoys full sun to partial shade. It can even be grown in zone 5 with proper winter protection. Ensure moist soil with good drainage for the best long-term results. Speedwell remains evergreen throughout the year, showing up green during the warmer months and with burgundy highlights as it gets colder. After 'Georgia Blue' speedwell is established in your yard, it can withstand periods of drought and heat.

Speedwell works well as a ground cover due to its tendency to form mats. The overall plant height is usually less than 1 foot, providing low-growing coverage to garden beds or around trees. Tough, but never invasive, the 'Georgia Blue' cultivar is easily managed in the landscape. Cut back parts of it intermittently to maintain its presence in a prescribed bed or to encourage new growth. This variety is sure to make a drab yard come to life with its beautiful blooms and hummingbirds.