1 / 13

Veronica × franciscana

hedge veronica

Plantaginaceae New Zealand (garden hybrid)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–10

Overview

Veronica x franciscana, widely known as a shrubby hebe, is an evergreen shrub of garden hybrid origin between New Zealand Veronica spp. (Hebe) species. It forms a dense, rounded mound 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) tall and 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) wide, with thick, glossy, oblong leaves 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long arranged in neat opposite ranks along the stems. From summer into autumn it bears short, dense spikes 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long of small violet to purple flowers, often with several spikes clustered near the stem tips. It grows in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil and tolerates salt spray, wind, and coastal exposure, which makes it common in seaside plantings. The shrub is frost-tender, damaged below about 20°F (-7°C), so it is grown outdoors mainly in USDA zones 9 to 10 and mild maritime climates. In colder or wet, poorly drained soils it is short-lived and prone to root rot and downy mildew. Light, regular trimming keeps the mound compact, as old plants become open and woody at the base.

Native Range

Veronica x franciscana is a hybrid of garden origin between shrubby Veronica spp. species native to New Zealand, where the group grows on coastal cliffs and lowland scrub. It does not occur as a wild species.

Suggested Uses

Used as a low hedge, foundation shrub, or mass planting in mild and coastal gardens, spaced 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart, and in containers on sheltered patios. Tolerance of salt and wind suits seaside and exposed sites. Its frost sensitivity limits outdoor use to mild-winter regions.

How to Identify

Dense, rounded evergreen shrub 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) tall with thick, glossy, oblong leaves set in opposite ranks. Short, crowded spikes 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) long of violet to purple flowers cluster near the stem tips from summer into autumn. The fleshy leaf pairs and salt tolerance separate it from other small flowering shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering runs from midsummer into autumn, with the heaviest display in late summer. Small violet to purple flowers open from the base of each short spike upward. Scattered spikes can appear at other times in mild, frost-free climates.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

violet to purple

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Growth is strongest in full sun to light shade on moist but well-drained soil of average fertility. Even moisture suits young plants, while waterlogged or heavy soil causes root rot. The shrub withstands salt spray and wind, which makes it common in coastal gardens, but it is damaged by frost below about 20°F (-7°C). Light feeding in spring supports growth in poor soils. Downy mildew and leaf spot can appear in humid, crowded conditions. Hardiness is limited to USDA zones 9 to 10 and mild maritime areas.

Pruning

A light trim after the main flowering flush removes spent spikes and keeps the mound dense. Cutting back into bare old wood is generally limited, as hebes are slow to regrow from leafless stems. Removing frost-damaged shoots in spring restores the shape.

Pruning Schedule

summer