About

A clump-forming perennial to around 75cm high, with lance-shaped, serrated green leaves. Long, loose spikes of small violet-blue flowers are produced on tall branching stems in late 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden

Care notes

CultivationThrives in sun or light shade, in well-drained soil that does not dry out. Mulching is beneficial on drier soils. Will not tolerate waterlogging
PruningRemove faded flower stems in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and leaf spot