About
An open, evergreen shrub with very glossy, 5cm long, dark green leaves, turning dark purple-red in winter and dark red stems. A great variety for pots and containers. Masses of purple-mauve flowers are produced freely during early and midsummer.
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, 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
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationSuits a range of well-drained soils, but best grown in poor to moderately fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, in sun or partial shade with shelter from cold, drying winds; tolerant of some pollution. Suits container culture. See for further information about RHS plant trials and awards
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with added bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus