Veronica besseya (H)
alpine kitten tails
A compact, clump-forming perennial with woolly, elliptic to ovate, greyish-green, basal leaves to 5cm long with toothed margins. In summer, flowering stems to 15cm tall bear dense spikes of purple-blue, tubular, two-lipped flowers with conspicuous bracts
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, acidic or neutral soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
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
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