What hardiness zones is Veronica ssp. suitable for?

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

What are the sun requirements for Veronica ssp.?

Veronica ssp. requires Full Sun.

How much water does Veronica ssp. need?

Veronica ssp. has Medium water needs.

Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Veronica ssp.

hebe

Plantaginaceae

Predominantly New Zealand; some species from southeastern Australia, New Guinea, South America

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 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

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A diverse group of evergreen shrubs formerly classified in the genus Hebe, now placed within Veronica. Species and cultivars commonly grown in Pacific Northwest gardens range from 1-6 feet (30-180 cm) tall and 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) wide, depending on species. Leaves are opposite, varying from small and scale-like (whipcord types) to broad and glossy, 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, arranged in four ranks along the stems. Flower spikes are terminal or axillary racemes, 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long, with small four-petaled flowers in shades of white, blue, purple, or pink. Bloom occurs primarily from June through September, with some species flowering intermittently into fall. Growth rate is moderate, with most cultivars reaching mature size in 3-5 years. The genus is predominantly native to New Zealand, with a few species from southeastern Australia and South America. Hardiness varies significantly by species; large-leaved species are less cold-tolerant than small-leaved or whipcord types. Root rot and stem dieback are common in waterlogged soils. Foliage may suffer burn in sustained cold below 15°F (-9°C) on less hardy species.

Native Range

Predominantly native to New Zealand, with some species from southeastern Australia, New Guinea, and temperate South America. In New Zealand, found across a range of habitats from coastal scrub to subalpine zones, from sea level to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) elevation.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in mixed borders, coastal gardens, and foundation plantings at spacing appropriate to the mature width of the selected species. Compact cultivars function as low hedges at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L); container plants may require winter protection in zone 7.

How to Identify

Hebes are identified by their opposite, four-ranked leaves on square stems and terminal or axillary racemes of small, four-petaled flowers. Leaf shape and size vary widely across species: whipcord types have tiny, scale-like, appressed leaves resembling conifers, while broad-leaved types have glossy, elliptic leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long. Distinguished from herbaceous Veronica species by their woody, evergreen habit.

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

SummerFall

Most species and cultivars flower from June through September, with peak bloom in July and August. Some species, particularly V. speciosa hybrids, flower intermittently from spring through fall. Individual racemes persist 2-3 weeks; total bloom period varies by species but typically extends 8-12 weeks. Bloom intensity decreases in heavy shade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, blue, purple, or pink depending on species

Foliage Description

Variable by species; glossy dark green to gray-green, some whipcord types golden or bronze-toned

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 - 7.5(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, most species tolerate moderate drought but perform better with consistent moisture during dry periods. Requires well-drained soil; root rot is the primary cause of death in heavy or waterlogged soils. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring at half rate; excessive nitrogen promotes soft, frost-susceptible growth. Site in full sun for densest habit and heaviest flowering. In zone 7, select small-leaved or whipcord species for hardiness, and site in protected locations away from cold, drying winds. Downy mildew and leaf spot may occur in humid conditions with poor air circulation.

Pruning

Prune lightly after the main flush of bloom to remove spent flower racemes and shape the plant. Remove one-third of the oldest stems at the base every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent legginess. Avoid cutting into bare, leafless wood below the foliage line, as regrowth from old wood is unreliable. Plants that become leggy after 5-7 years may need replacement, as hard renovation pruning carries a high failure rate.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic