Veronica gentianoides 'Alba'
gentian speedwell 'Alba'
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 60cm high, with rosettes of lance-shaped, glossy green leaves forming a dense mound at the base. Upright stems bear spikes of white flowers, sometimes lightly touched with blue, in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in sun in well-drained soil that does not dry out, will tolerate part day shade but flowering may be reduced. Mulching is beneficial on drier soils. Will not tolerate waterlogging
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage further flowers. Remove faded flower stems in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and leaf spot
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