About

Veronica 'Caledonia' is a compact, evergreen shrub, reaching approximately 60 cm in both height and width. It features dark green foliage, with leaves measuring up to 2.5 cm long, which have a reddish tint in their early growth stages. The plant is characterized by its burgundy-red stems. From late spring through early autumn, it produces spikes of violet-blue flowers.

About the genus

Veronica encompasses annuals, perennials, and sub-shrubs characterized by opposite leaves and small flowers that typically appear in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows well in poor to moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade with protection from cold, drying winds. See for further information about RHS plant trials and awards
Pruning
Pruning group 9
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Cultivars will not come true. Root semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn with added bottom heat
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus