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Overview

Veronica gentianoides is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Veronica gentianoides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal, gravel garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Belgium and Flemish Region.

About

Veronica gentianoides, commonly known as gentian speedwell, is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. It is a deciduous plant that typically grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. Native to the Flemish Region of Belgium, this cultivar thrives in moist but well-drained loam soils with a range of pH levels, from acid to alkaline. It prefers full sun to partial shade, ideally in a sheltered west, east, or south-facing aspect, and is noted for its drought resistance. Its season of interest is summer.

About the genus

Veronica is the largest genus in the flowering plant family Plantaginaceae, with about 500 species. It was formerly classified in the family Scrophulariaceae. Common names include speedwell, bird's eye, and gypsyweed.

Wikipedia contributors, "Veronica (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Veronica

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

Plant details

Veronica gentianoides size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Native to
Belgium, Flemish Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Veronica gentianoides

Cultivation
Prefers moist but well-drained loam soils with a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in sheltered west, east, or south-facing aspects. Noted for drought resistance.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation
Division in spring or autumn, Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids
Disease resistance
Downy mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Fungal rot, Phytophthora, Honey fungus, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Veronica gentianoides?

Prefers moist but well-drained loam soils with a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in sheltered west, east, or south-facing aspects. Noted for drought resistance.

Where is the best place to plant Veronica gentianoides?

Veronica gentianoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Veronica gentianoides need?

Veronica gentianoides grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Veronica gentianoides?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.

How big does Veronica gentianoides grow?

Veronica gentianoides reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Veronica gentianoides hardy in the UK?

Veronica gentianoides 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 gentianoides?

Division in spring or autumn, Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Veronica genus

Browse all Veronica →
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