Veronica perfoliata (Digger’s Speedwell)
Digger's Speedwell, Parahebe perfoliata, Hebe perfoliata
Veronica perfoliata (Digger’s Speedwell) is a sprawling, evergreen woody-based perennial or sub-shrub with rounded blue-gray leaves resembling the juvenile foliage of some eucalyptus. Borne in pairs, the ovate and stem-clasping leaves can grow up to 2 in. long (5 cm). In summer, nodding sprays of bright blue flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), appear above the evergreen foliage. Each spike can carry up to 25-70 flowers, creating an eye-catching floral display. Native to Australia, Veronica perfoliata is drought tolerant and grows well in the gravel garden or in the rockery. It also makes a great edging or border plant.
- Grows up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in poor, well-drained soils.
- Perfect choice for city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, banks and slopes, beds and borders, containers.
- Easy to grow, this plant requires little care and is fairly pest and disease-free. Keep an eye out for slugs.
- Older plants may become straggly but are rejuvenated by pruning the stems almost to ground level.
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings .
- Native to Australia.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
3 - 11 |
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Veronica |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" (50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | Australia |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Erik Agar/Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
3 - 11 |
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Veronica |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" (50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Native Plants | Australia |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
