About

A rounded evergreen shrub, the narrow variegated leaves provide year round interest. Dark pink flower spikes appear in summer. The young leaves open up with flushes of pink and purple maturing into sliver and green.

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, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in moderately fertile, well-drained soil, full sun for best foliage colour. May require winter protection in cold areas
PruningPruning group 9, winter damage may need removing after a harsh winter
PropagationPropagate by taking semi-ripe cuttings in summer with added bottom heat
Pest resistanceMaybe susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus