Common Name: shrubby speedwell
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Plantaginaceae
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Purple-blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Hedge
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Evergreen
Attracts: Butterflies
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer
Culture
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Best performance occurs with consistent, regular moisture with sharp soil drainage (particularly in winter). Apply an organic mulch to help regulate soil moisture. Prefers coastal or Mediterranean climates. Tolerates light shade. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage additional bloom. Plants may be cut back to basal growth after flowering. Hardy in Zone 8-10.
'Caledonia' offers increased winter hardiness compared to other hebe cultivars. Hardy from Zones 7-10. Siting in a protected location is still recommended in Zone 7 gardens.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Veronica is a genus of about 250 species of annuals, perennials and some sub-shrubs mainly from Europe.
Genus name honors Saint Veronica who reportedly gave a handkerchief to Jesus so he could wipe sweat from his face on the way to Calvary, with some genus plants having markings that resemble the markings on the sacred handkerchief.
'Caledonia' is a dwarf, hybrid selection of speedwell that features purple-blue flowers, glossy, evergreen foliage, and dark red stems. The new foliage emerges burgundy red before maturing to dark green. The small, purple-blue flowers are held in spike-like clusters on branched, terminal inflorescences from early summer to fall. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insect pollinators. Mature plants will reach up to 2' tall and spread to fill a similar area. Synonymous with V. 'E.B. Anderson' and 'Knightshayes', and formerly assigned to the genus Hebe.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly-drained soils. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Shrub border. Hedge. Specimen or small groups.