Veronica 'Pink Elephant' (H/v)
hebe 'Pink Elephant'
A slow-growing, compact, bushy shrub to 40cm tall, with tightly-packed grey-green leaves with pink and cream margins which are particularly bright in the winter. Short spikes of white flowers appear in early summer. A good choice for a rock garden
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver Green Pink Variegated | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Grey Silver Green Pink Variegated | ||
Autumn | Grey Silver Green Pink Variegated | |||
Winter | Grey Silver Green Pink Variegated |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in poor to moderately fertile soil in sun or partials shade with protection from cold, drying winds. Tolerant of some pollution and can also be grown in a cool glasshouse in a peat-free, loam-based compost with shade from hot sun. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards for further information about RHS plant trials and awards
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.