Veronica cinerea
ash-coloured speedwell
A mat-forming, woody-based, evergreen perennial to 15cm high and 30cm or more across, with narrow leaves covered in silvery, woolly hairs. In early summer produces abundant, short, upright spikes of small, deep blue or blue-purple flowers
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
- Plant range
- SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. May need protection from winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Trim after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews, fungal leaf spot, fungal rot, Phytophthora and sometimes honey fungus
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