Veronica spp., hebe
Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Veronica spp.

hebe

Plantaginaceae
Predominantly New Zealand; some species from southeastern Australia, New Guinea, and South America; coastal to alpine habitats

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-6 feet (30-180 cm)
Width2-5 feet (60-150 cm)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Veronica spp. (hebes) are evergreen shrubs growing 1-6 feet (30-180 cm) tall and 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) wide. Flower racemes in white, blue, purple, or pink, 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm), in June-September (up to 10 weeks). Two main foliage types: broadleaf (glossy opposite leaves) and whipcord (tiny scale-like leaves on cord-like stems resembling conifers). In Plantaginaceae. Formerly Hebe — reclassified to Veronica. Predominantly native to New Zealand. The limited cold hardiness (zone 7) is the primary climatic restriction — large-leaved species are less hardy. Downy mildew and Septoria in humid conditions. Short-lived (5-10 years). Tolerates salt spray and coastal wind. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Predominantly native to New Zealand (the largest woody genus in the NZ flora). Some species from southeastern Australia, New Guinea, and South America.

Suggested Uses

Grown in coastal gardens, borders, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L), spaced 2-5 feet (60-150 cm). Salt-tolerant. Zone 7+. Short-lived. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10.

How to Identify

Identified by opposite decussate evergreen leaves (broadleaf or whipcord types) and axillary racemes of small flowers on a mounding shrub. The two foliage types (broadleaf with glossy opposite leaves, whipcord with scale-like conifer-resembling stems) are the main diagnostic categories. In Plantaginaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
blue
purple
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
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SummerFall
Summer to early fall (June-September). Flowers in white, blue, purple, or pink in axillary racemes 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm). Up to 10 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, blue, purple, or pink (species dependent), in axillary racemes 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm); June-September; some species bloom intermittently spring through fall

Foliage Description

Variable by species — glossy dark green to gray-green in broadleaf types; golden, bronze, or olive-green in whipcord types (whipcord = tiny scale-like leaves pressed flat against cord-like stems, resembling conifers); opposite, decussate (4-ranked); evergreen year-round

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial 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 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade (4-10 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates salt spray and coastal wind. Limited cold hardiness — zone 7 (large-leaved species less hardy). Downy mildew and Septoria in humid conditions. Short-lived (5-10 years). Prune after flowering. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10.

Pruning

Prune after flowering (August-September) to maintain compact form. Remove spent racemes. Cut back by one-third if leggy. Do not cut into old bare wood on whipcord types.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic