Overview
Veronica fruticans is a matforming, bushy, trailing, upright shrubs in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen, deciduous foliage. Veronica fruticans grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include borders, ground cover, rockeries, containers and coastal gardens.
About
Veronica fruticans (rock speedwell) is a matforming, bushy shrub within the Veronica genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and sub-shrubs with opposite leaves and small flowers in racemes or spikes. This evergreen or semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for borders, ground cover, rockeries, containers, and coastal gardens, it flowers in spring and summer and is hardy across several UK zones.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veronica
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4, H5, H6, H7
Plant details
Veronica fruticans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Matforming, Bushy, Trailing, Upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Ground cover, Rockeries, Containers, Coastal gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veronica fruticans
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Phytophthora, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Veronica fruticans?
Veronica fruticans prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Veronica fruticans need?
Veronica fruticans is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Veronica fruticans hardy in the UK?
Veronica fruticans has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Veronica fruticans?
Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Veronica genus
- Veronica agrestisgreen field speedwell
- Veronica catenatapink water speedwell
- Veronica copelandii
- Veronica elliptica 'Anatoki' (H)hebe 'Anatoki'
- Veronica gentianoides 'Maihimmel'
- Veronica orsiniana 'Sappheiros'
- Veronica peduncularis M. Bieb.
- Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier'
