Veronica liwenensis is a Worthy Ground Cover

Veronica liwanensis was recognized as the Plant of the Month for February 2025 by the Ottawa Valley Rock Garden and Horticultural Society.

Over the past four years, I have cultivated this plant in various locations within my yard, primarily in full sunlight. Some specimens thrive in a relatively dry garden, while others have spread and are now growing on a sandy loam hillside, interspersed with Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Creeping Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila repens), Crocus sativus, Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica), and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata).

Veronica liwanensis exhibits a graceful spreading habit and is relatively easy to propagate through division during the spring season. It demonstrates competitive resilience with other plants in its vicinity and is not a suitable choice for areas prone to excessive moisture.

All the aforementioned plants, with the exception of Crocus sativus, bloom in the spring.

This diminutive, slow-growing ground cover prefers full sun exposure, although it can tolerate very light shade. It thrives in well-draining, average soil and reaches a height of approximately 2.5 cm and a width of about 30 cm. Its light oval, glossy green leaves are complemented by small, vibrant blue flowers with a white center, adorned with white anthers and pistils. In Ottawa, it typically blooms around mid-May.

Veronica liwanensis is well-suited in landscaping for interspersing between stepping stones, creating rock gardens, or serving as a ground cover. However, it is not tolerant of wet conditions and is susceptible to root rot in such environments.

Propagation of this plant can be achieved through division in the early spring or early fall, or via softwood stem cuttings.g to early summer.