Hebe veronica is a popular ornamental plant in the United Kingdom. It is a member of the plant family Scrophulariaceae and is native to New Zealand. The plant was first introduced to the UK in 1855 and has been widely cultivated since then. The plant grows to a height of 60 cm and has white or pale pink flowers.
Related plant:
Hebe Emerald Green
About soil condition, Hebe veronica prefers acidic to neutral soils that are well-drained but will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including heavy clay. It is not particularly fussy about soil type as long as it is not waterlogged.
Not too different with other plants, the Hebe Veronica requires sun to grow. It is important to plant the Hebe Veronica in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. The more sun the Hebe Veronica gets, the more vibrant its colors will be. if the Hebe Veronica does not get enough sun, it will not grow as well and its colors will be less vibrant.
The temperature condition that is best for hebe veronica is cool to cold. This plant does not like it when the temperature is too hot. When the temperature is too hot, the leaves of this plant will start to turn brown and fall off.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is about 40%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the plant will start to rot.
About fertilizer, this plant doesn't need much. A light sprinkling of any all-purpose fertilizer in early spring is all that is needed to keep it growing vigorously. Be sure to keep the fertilizer away from the plant's crown to prevent it from burning. As far as the roots go, they don't need to be particularly fussy. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your hebe veronica plant healthy and looking its best. Trimming off dead or damaged leaves and stems helps encourage new growth and prevents the plant from becoming overgrown. You can prune your hebe veronica plant anytime during the growing season, although late winter or early spring is the best time to do any major pruning.
Propagation of Hebe Veronica is best done through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be about 4-6 inches long. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Be sure to keep the mix moist but not wet and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in nurseries and greenhouses. The reported growth rate varies depending on the age of the plant, how it was grown, and where it was grown. Generally, young plants grown in rich soils in full sun will have the fastest growth rates, while older plants may grow more slowly. Plants grown in shady or dry conditions may also have slower growth rates.
Common problems for this kind of plant are black spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and rust. Black spot is a fungal disease that appears as black spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew is a fungus that covers the leaves with a white powder. Root rot is a disease that rots the roots of the plant. Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant.
Source:
Cytology and Taxonomy of Hebe, Veronica and Pygmæa
Veronica - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Veronica spicata (Speedwell, Spiked Speedwell) | North Carolina ...
