Veronica plantaginea (H)
white river kittentails
A clump-forming perennial with basal rosettes of hairy, ovate to elliptic leaves up to 15cm long with rounded teeth. Flowering stems to 35cm tall bear smaller leaves and small white to purplish-pink, bell-shaped flowers packed into woolly, cylindrical spikes
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| 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
- Plant range
- WC N America
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
- Rock garden
- Patio and container plants
- 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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