About
A small, bushy evergreen shrub to 60cm tall, producing dark green leaves to 2.5cm long with purple-red magins, the leaves becoming flushed reddish-purple in autumn and winter. Purple-blue flowers with white tubes are produced in dense racemes, from midsummer, often into early winter.
About the genus
Veronica can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs with paired leaves and small flowers usually in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile,moist but well drained neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade.
PruningPruning group 9, little or no pruning. Trim lightly in spring
PropagationPropagate by rooting semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus