Overview
Veronica spicata subsp. orchidea is a bushy shrubs in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Veronica spicata subsp. orchidea 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 spicata subsp. orchidea is a bushy, evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Veronica, which includes annuals, perennials, and sub-shrubs with opposite leaves and small flowers in racemes or spikes. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for various garden aspects and exposures. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil that can be chalk, clay, loam, or sand with an alkaline to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, gravel gardens, and wildlife gardens, with interest in spring and summer.
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 spicata subsp. orchidea 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 spicata subsp. orchidea
- 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 spicata subsp. orchidea?
Veronica spicata subsp. orchidea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Veronica spicata subsp. orchidea need?
Veronica spicata subsp. orchidea 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 spicata subsp. orchidea hardy in the UK?
Veronica spicata subsp. orchidea 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 spicata subsp. orchidea?
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.
