About

This clump-forming, upright perennial to 1.2m with narrow leaves in pairs or threes up the stem and compactly set spikes of tiny, tubular, purplish-blue flowers in late summer and early autumn.

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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope

Care notes

CultivationGrow in loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningCut down once flowering finished
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