About

A herbaceous perennial to 45cm in height, forming a mat of bright glossy green, ovate leaves, with long, erect terminal racemes of pale blue flowers in early 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toCaucasus

Care notes

CultivationGrow in loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningRemove spent flowers to encourage compact habit and good flowering in the folowing year
PropagationPropagate 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