Veronica albicans explained

Veronica albicans, synonym Hebe albicans, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to New Zealand.

Description

Growing to 60cm (20inches) tall by 90cm (40inches) wide, it is an evergreen shrub with thick bluish leaves 1.5cm-3cmcm (00.6inches-01inchescm) long and 8mm15mm wide.[1] The small white flowers, on flowerheads 3- in length, appear from December to April. The Latin specific epithet albicans means "off-white", referring to the colour of the flowers.[2]

Distribution and habitat

V. albicans is found in the mountainous region around Nelson, New Zealand, at an altitude of 1000-. A closely related species, Veronica amplexicaulis, is found in a similar habitat in Canterbury.[3]

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4] Hardy down to -5C, it requires a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade.

Notes and References

  1. Book: RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. 2008. Dorling Kindersley. United Kingdom. 978-1405332965. 1136.
  2. Book: Harrison, Lorraine. RHS Latin for gardeners. 2012. Mitchell Beazley. United Kingdom. 9781845337315. 224.
  3. A Field Guide to the Native Plants of New Zealand by John T. Salmon
  4. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Hebe albicans. 5 July 2020.