Overview
Veronica 'Purple King' (H) is a bushy shrubs in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Veronica 'Purple King' (H) 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 'Purple King' is a bushy evergreen shrub cultivar within the Veronica genus, known for its 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 garden settings including city, courtyard, cottage, informal, gravel, and wildlife gardens. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand with an alkaline to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, 'Purple King' is best grown in moist but well-drained conditions and is notable during spring and summer seasons.
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 'Purple King' (H) 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 'Purple King' (H)
- 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 'Purple King' (H)?
Veronica 'Purple King' (H) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Veronica 'Purple King' (H) need?
Veronica 'Purple King' (H) 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 'Purple King' (H) hardy in the UK?
Veronica 'Purple King' (H) 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 'Purple King' (H)?
Propagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Veronica genus
- Veronica agrestisgreen field speedwell
- Veronica catenatapink water speedwell
- Veronica copelandii
- Veronica elliptica 'Anatoki' (H)hebe 'Anatoki'
- Veronica fruticansrock speedwell
- Veronica gentianoides 'Maihimmel'
- Veronica orsiniana 'Sappheiros'
- Veronica peduncularis M. Bieb.
