About

A very low-growing, creeping perennial, with very fine stems up to 50cm long, rooting at the nodes and small, rounded leaves. Small, cup-shaped flowers with pale and bright blue petals appear from mid-spring to mid-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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationInitially introduced as a rockery plant, but has the potential to become a nuisance and may be unwanted in fine lawns. See speedwell for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationRarely sets seed; spreads naturally by rooting fragments of stem
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus