Veronica topiaria (H)

RHS Plant Profile
topiarist's hebe

Synonyms

Hebe topiaria

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

A very compact evergreen shrub with a dense, dome-shaped habit, neat growth and small, grey-green foliage. White flowers in dense short racemes appear in early and mid-summer, but may not appear for the first couple of years

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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
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
Horticultural Group
This genus has changed from Hebe to Veronica
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in poor to moderately fertile soil in sun or partials shade and is tolerant of some pollution

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Cultivars will not come true. Root semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn with added bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus