Hebe speciosa.

Hebe speciosa Veronica

History: Hebe speciosa Veronica, also known as "Veronica," is a charming evergreen shrub belonging to the scrophulariaceae family. This plant, native to New Zealand, has gained popularity worldwide for its attractive foliage and beautiful spike-shaped violet-colored flowers.

Description:  Hebe speciosa Veronica is a perfect choice for those seeking a decorative plant that requires minimal maintenance. Its compact, evergreen leaves add a touch of constant green to your garden. However, what truly makes this plant stand out are its violet spike flowers that remain in bloom from early summer to autumn. The combination of leaves and flowers creates an unparalleled visual appeal.

This versatile shrub lends itself to various applications in the garden. It is a popular choice for creating hedges and borders, forming natural and colorful boundaries in your outdoor space. Furthermore, it can be grown in pots on the terrace, allowing you to enjoy its beauty in smaller spaces.

Care:  Caring for Hebe speciosa Veronica is simple and rewarding. Ensure you plant it in enriched, well-draining soil, preferably alkaline or neutral. Avoid waterlogging, as this plant prefers to keep its feet dry.

During spring and summer, it's the time of growth and flowering. To keep it in its best shape, fertilize the plant every 15 days with a general or flowering plant-specific fertilizer.

Pruning: Pruning is an important part of Hebe speciosa Veronica's maintenance. After flowering, perform a light pruning to remove faded flowers and promote healthy growth. In late winter or early spring, do a more extensive pruning to rejuvenate the plant or give it shape. It's recommended to split this pruning into multiple sessions rather than doing it all at once to avoid overly drastic cutting.

Climate: This plant is salt-tolerant and adapts to various climates. However, it thrives best in temperate climates where it can showcase its lush foliage and flowering.

In summary, Hebe speciosa Veronica is a versatile, low-maintenance plant that will bring beauty and color to your garden, terrace, or pot. With proper watering, regular fertilization, and careful pruning, you can enjoy the charm of "Veronica" throughout the growing season. Take the opportunity to incorporate this beautiful plant into your green space and experience the beauty of "Veronica" at its finest.