Veronica cinerea

RHS Plant Profile
ash-coloured speedwell
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A mat-forming, woody-based, evergreen perennial to 15cm high and 30cm or more across, with narrow leaves covered in silvery, woolly hairs. In early summer produces abundant, short, upright spikes of small, deep blue or blue-purple flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Matforming
Genus
Veronica can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs with paired leaves and small flowers usually in terminal or axillary racemes or spikes
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. May need protection from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Trim after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus