About
Flowers in summer are in dense racemes of lavender-blue. A compact, bushy shrub. The variegated foliage is greyish green with fine white margins . Young shoots are overflushed reddish-purple.
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
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationPlant in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Shelter from severe frost. Will tolerate some pollution.
PruningClear out any dead or frost damaged stems or branches and lightly trim to shape in spring by cutting back to a bud. Remove spent flower heads to encourage a later flush of flowers.
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and tortrix moth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildew and leaf spot. At risk of infection from the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subsp. Multiplex if it were to enter the country.