Veronica × franciscana (H)

RHS Plant Profile
shrubby veronica
shrubby veronica visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Hebe × franciscana
Hebe × lewisii misapplied

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A rounded, evergreen shrub to about 60cm high and wide with thick, oval-shaped deep green leaves up to 5cm long. Short spikes of small purple flowers are produced in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Suits a range of well-drained soils, but best grown in poor to moderately fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, in sun or partial shade. This hybrid tolerates wind and salt, making it a good coastal plant in mild areas, though it may still need winter protection in colder regions

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late summer or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

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