Woolly veronica
Veronica pectinata
Woolly veronica (Veronica pectinata) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 1–3 in tall and 12–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Silver woolly foliage, intense blue blooms, easy companion to Turkish veronica.
On the CSU listlow to medium water1–3 in tall and 12–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Blue Woolly Speedwell" by patrick_standish is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Veronica pectinata" by Balkondaki Bahçem is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 3: "Veronica pectinata" by Balkondaki Bahçem is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 4: "Veronica pectinata" by Balkondaki Bahçem is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Photo 5: Clements, Edith Gertrude (Schwartz); Clements, Frederic E.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Between pavers & flagstones
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 1–3 in tall and 12–24 in wide
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- blue
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Using Woolly veronica as a groundcover
Woolly veronica forms a low mat. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It takes light foot traffic, fine to step across occasionally, but not a play-lawn. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1–2×/month during dry stretches.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Woolly veronica good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Woolly veronica is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Woolly veronica get?
- It matures to about 1–3 in tall and 12–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Woolly veronica?
- Space Woolly veronica about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Woolly veronica hardy on the Front Range?
- Woolly veronica is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Woolly veronica need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Woolly veronica native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Woolly veronica deer-resistant?
- Woolly veronica is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Woolly veronica a good firewise plant near the house?
- Woolly veronica is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Woolly veronica?
- Woolly veronica takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Can Woolly veronica replace a lawn?
- Yes, Woolly veronica works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Woolly veronica spread or stay put?
- Woolly veronica is mat-forming. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Woolly veronica stay green in winter?
- Woolly veronica holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- Can Woolly veronica grow between pavers?
- Yes. Woolly veronica is steppable enough to fill the gaps between flagstones and pavers.
