About
A compact, bushy evergreen shrub to around 50cm high, with elliptic, dark green foliage with a dark reddish-purple midrib and sometimes margins too. The foliage becomes flushed with red-bronze in autumn and winter. Slender spikes of white flowers with pink stamens appear from midsummer to 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
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. May need winter protection in cold winters. See for further information about RHS plant trials and awards
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 9
PropagationRoot semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late summer or autumn. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus