Hebe Veronica or Shrubby Veronica
Veronica sect. Hebe and hybrids (formerly Hebe spp.).
(PLANTAGINACEAE)
Planting and Growing Hebe Veronica
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow hebe veronica in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, fruit, and seeds of hebe veronica
- Growing conditions for hebe veronica
- When and where to plant hebe veronica
- How to plant hebe veronica
- How to shape, prune and control growth of hebe veronica
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of hebe veronica
- Landscape uses of hebe veronica
- Pest and disease control for hebe veronica
Growing Veronica (Hebe)
More than 70 species and many hybrids of fast- to medium-growing, mounding, evergreen shrubs, 3–6 ft. (90–180 cm) tall and wide, with opposite, shiny, deep or gray green, oval, sometimes finely toothed leaves, to 1/2–4 in. (12–100 mm) long.
Hebe Veronica was recently reclassified by botanists from a species into a section of a different plant family, but remains commonly available in the nursery trade under its original species name, Hebe.
Commonly cultivated species with similar care needs include boxleaf hebe, Veronica odora; koromiko, Veronica baylyi; shore hebe, Veronica elliptica; Imperial Hebe, Veronica imperialis; and showy hebe, Veronica speciosa.
Hebe Veronica Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Many tiny, blue, pink, purple, white flowers in showy, spiking clusters, to 3 in. (75 mm) long, often with long, contrasting sepals, in summer, form flat, dry fruit bearing seed in autumn.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 8–9. Tender. Best in mild-summer climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Damp to dry, well-drained, sandy loam. Fertility: Rich–average. 6.5–7.5 pH. Somewhat salt tolerant.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun to partial shade. Space 2–3 ft. (60–90 cm) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep damp; allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Fertilize quarterly. Prune after blooms fade to maintain compact habit. Protect from frost. Propagate by cuttings, layering, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for backgrounds, beds, borders, containers, paths in cottage, seaside, small-space, woodland gardens. Pest resistant. Mildew susceptible.