About
A compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped, toothed grey-green leaves and upright, slender stems of small, star-shaped purple-blue flowers which appear in spring and 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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of a wide range of soils, as long as not extremely dry or prone to waterlogging, but prefers loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soils in full sun or light shade
PruningDeadhead after flowering, remove faded flower stems in the autumn
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus