About
Spikes of purple flowers are produced in summer. A compact shrub to 60cm tall, with narrow, green spear-shaped leaves, with cream margins. In spring, the new growth at the tips of the stems is bright pink, contrasting with the green and cream leaves lower down the stem and in autumn the foliage turns deep pink maroon.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate from semi-hardwood cutting in late summer or early autumn for your own use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus