What hardiness zones is Veronica odora suitable for?

Veronica odora is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Veronica odora?

Veronica odora requires Full Sun.

How much water does Veronica odora need?

Veronica odora has Medium water needs.

Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Veronica odora

boxleaf hebe

Plantaginaceae

New Zealand — subalpine and montane areas of North and South Islands

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageEvergreen

Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)

Width18-30 inches (45-76 cm)

Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Fragrant (light)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A compact, rounded evergreen shrub reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 18-30 inches (45-76 cm) wide. Stems are densely branched, forming a tight, dome-shaped mound. Leaves are small, 0.3-0.5 inches (8-13 mm) long, oval to obovate, thick, glossy dark green, and closely overlapping along the stems, giving the plant a boxwood-like appearance. Small, four-petaled white flowers, approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, appear in short terminal racemes of 6-12 flowers from May through July. Flowers carry a faint sweet fragrance noticeable at close range. Growth rate is slow to moderate, adding 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) per year. Plants reach mature size in 3-5 years. The tight branching habit is naturally dense and requires minimal shaping. Foliage may develop a purplish tinge during cold winter periods. Stem dieback can occur during prolonged freezes below 10°F (-12°C). In wet, poorly drained soils, root rot (Phytophthora) causes decline, particularly during winter. Previously classified as Hebe odora and sometimes sold under that name.

Native Range

Native to New Zealand, found in subalpine and montane scrubland and grassland on both the North and South Islands at elevations of 2,000-5,000 feet (600-1,500 m).

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a low hedge or edging plant at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. Functions as a specimen in rock gardens, container plantings, and mixed borders where the boxwood-like form provides year-round structure. Grows in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) with well-drained potting mix.

How to Identify

Identified by its compact, dome-shaped habit with small, thick, glossy dark green leaves 0.3-0.5 inches (8-13 mm) long, closely overlapping along the stems in a boxwood-like arrangement. Short terminal racemes of small white four-petaled flowers appear in late spring to early summer. Distinguished from true boxwood (Buxus) by opposite (rather than alternate) leaf arrangement and the presence of flower spikes rather than inconspicuous axillary flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~7 weeks

SpringSummer

Flowers from May through July in zones 7-9. Peak bloom occurs in June, lasting 2-3 weeks. Individual flower racemes persist 10-14 days; total bloom period extends 6-8 weeks. Bloom intensity is greater in full sun than in shade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, thick, closely overlapping; may tinge purple in winter cold

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 4-10 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 Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, supplemental irrigation is needed only during dry periods exceeding 2-3 weeks. Requires well-drained soil; root rot develops in waterlogged conditions, particularly during winter. No regular fertilization is needed; a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Site in full sun to part shade; plants in full sun develop the densest form. Protect from cold, desiccating winds in winter. In zones 7-8, site against a south- or west-facing wall for additional winter protection. No significant pest issues; occasional aphids on new growth in spring.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required due to the naturally compact habit. Lightly trim after flowering to remove spent flower racemes and maintain shape. Remove any winter-damaged or dead stems in early spring. Avoid hard pruning into old wood; regrowth from bare stems is slow and unreliable.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic