About

A mat-forming, woody-based, evergreen perennial to 15cm high and 30cm or more across, with narrow leaves covered in silvery, woolly hairs. In early summer produces abundant, short, upright spikes of small, deep blue or blue-purple flowers.

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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Matforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toSW Asia

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun. May need protection from winter wet
PruningTrim after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus