About

A rounded, bushy, evergreen shrub to about 60cm. Short spikes of small, purple flowers appear in mid- to late summer. The stems are dark purple and the small, oval leaves aregrey-green with an irregular cream to yellow margin and flushed with pink, especially in cold weather.

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, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in a warm position in sun or partial shade with moist but well-drained soil
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