About Veronica albicans Petrie
Scientific Name
This species has the scientific name Veronica albicans Petrie.
Growth Form and Size
It is an evergreen shrub that grows to 60 cm (24 in) tall and 90 cm (35 in) wide.
Leaf Characteristics
It bears thick bluish leaves that measure 1.5–3 cm (0.59–1.18 in) long and 8–15 mm (0.31–0.59 in) wide.
Flower Characteristics
Its small white flowers grow in flowerheads 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) in length, and bloom from December to April.
Etymology of Specific Epithet
The Latin specific epithet albicans translates to "off-white", which refers to the colour of the plant's flowers.
Native Distribution and Altitude Range
Veronica albicans occurs naturally in the mountainous region surrounding Nelson, New Zealand, where it grows at altitudes between 1,000–1,400 metres (3,300–4,600 ft).
Related Species
A closely related species, Veronica amplexicaulis, grows in a similar habitat in Canterbury.
Horticultural Award
This plant has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Cultivation Requirements
It is hardy down to −5 °C (23 °F), and needs a sheltered position that gets full sun or partial shade.
