About
A small, compact, evergreen shrub with oblong, blue-grey leaves which are margined with red, especially in winter. Short spikes of pale mauve flowers fading to white appear in the summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
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 usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in a moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade This plant was included in the Shrubby Veronica (hebe) trial 2021-2023
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus