Veronica austriaca 'Shirley Blue'
speedwell 'Shirley Blue'
'Shirley Blue' is an herbaceous perennial forming a mat to 25cm in height, with oblong, deeply toothed leaves and erect axillary racemes of bright blue flowers
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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–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in loamy, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Remove spent flowers to encourage compact habit and good flowering in the folowing year
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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