Veronica catarractae (P)

RHS Plant Profile
waterfall parahebe
waterfall parahebe RHS

Synonyms

Parahebe catarractae
Hebe catarractae

Shrubs

An evergreen subshrub to 30cm high with lance-shaped dark green leaves to 4cm long, tinged purple when young. Racemes of saucer-shaped purple-veined white flowers 1cm across with red eyes are borne in summer

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
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
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
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
Horticultural Group
This genus has changed from Parahebe to Veronica
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in early or midsummer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

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