Veronica pinguifolia
Veronica pinguifolia · Plantaginaceae
📷 Kurt Stüber [1] · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant veronica pinguifolia: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, greyish-green, fatty and succulent texture
- Flowering
- May to June, small pale blue or white flowers
- Adult size
- 30 cm in height, compact and rounded habit
- Hardiness
- Hardy, tolerates cold temperatures
- Origin
- New Zealand
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, tolerates poor soils
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Veronica pinguifolia is an alpine: it tolerates drought but not waterlogging. Plant it in very well-drained soil, ideally on a slight mound or in a rock garden.
The common mistake
Giving it too much water or too much organic matter: it gets leggy, stretches out and becomes less compact and less floriferous.
The pro's trick
Trim lightly after flowering (June-July) to maintain a nice rounded shape: a couple of snips are enough, it doesn't like hard pruning.
Care
Exposure
Place your veronica in full sun for optimal growth and generous flowering. It also tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Avoid overly shaded spots which would make it leggy and weak.
Watering
Water moderately during planting and establishment. Once well established, this plant loves dryness and requires little water. Let the soil dry between waterings; excess moisture risks causing root rot.
Soil Preparation
Prefer light, porous and well-draining substrate: potting soil, coarse sand and pebbles work perfectly. Soil that is too wet or compacted will promote fungal diseases. A light addition of organic matter is more than sufficient.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch young plants in spring to encourage branching and a compact habit. After flowering, remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period. Light pruning in late winter maintains the general shape.
Feeding
This frugal plant only needs a light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring. Excess nitrogen encourages foliage at the expense of flowering. Naturally rich soil can suffice without additional enrichment.
Pests and Diseases
Generally robust, veronica especially fears stagnant moisture which causes root rot or leaf spots. Ensure good air circulation and maintain measured watering. Watch for spider mites in very dry climates.
Did you know?
Originating from New Zealand, the fat-leaved veronica owes its specific name 'pinguifolia' to its particularly fleshy and fatty leaves, which store water to survive in the arid regions of its native habitat. The Maori used certain local veronicas for their medicinal properties, though this species is now especially appreciated by modern gardeners for its hardiness and singular appearance.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.