About

A marginal, aquatic perennial with creeping, hollow stems, rooting as they spread, and usually evergreen, rounded, fleshy leaves. Short, upright spikes of small, bright blue flowers are produced from late spring to late summer.

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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeAquatic, Bogs
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in permanently wet soil, or as an aquatic marginal in water up to 10cm deep, in full sun. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, except to keep within bounds
PropagationPropagate by division or by stem-tip cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus