Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' — Bushy

Overview

Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and wildlife gardens.

About

Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' is a bushy evergreen shrub cultivar within the Veronica genus, which includes annuals, perennials, and sub-shrubs known for their opposite leaves and small flowers arranged in racemes or spikes. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained alkaline to neutral soils. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is well suited to city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, gravel gardens, and wildlife gardens, offering interest in spring and summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Veronica

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier'

Propagation: Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistance: High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier'?

Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' need?

Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' hardy in the UK?

Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Veronica petraea 'Madame Mercier'?

Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Veronica genus

Browse all Veronica →