CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica
Veronica 'Reavis'
CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica (Veronica 'Reavis') is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 2–4 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Sky-blue flower spikes spring through summer; mat-forming evergreen groundcover; Plant Select.
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Veronica 'Reavis'
- Variety / cultivar
- CRYSTAL RIVER®
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 2–4 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Foot traffic
- Light foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- blue
- Bloom time
- mid spring, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica as a groundcover
CRYSTAL RIVER® 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. On a slope it helps knit the soil together and control erosion.
Planting & establishment
Moderate water first season; very drought-tolerant once rooted.
Frequently asked questions
- Is CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica get?
- It matures to about 2–4 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica?
- Space CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica hardy on the Front Range?
- CRYSTAL RIVER® 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 CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica deer-resistant?
- CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Can you walk on CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica?
- CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica takes light foot traffic. You can step across it occasionally, but it won't hold up as a play-lawn.
- Can CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica replace a lawn?
- Yes, CRYSTAL RIVER® 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 CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica spread or stay put?
- CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica is mat-forming. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Is CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica good for a slope?
- Yes. CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica helps hold soil on Front Range slopes and control erosion once its roots knit in.
- How long does CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica bloom?
- CRYSTAL RIVER® veronica blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
