Veronica perfoliata

Digger's Speedwell

Upright to spreading clumping perennial herb or subshrub with a waxy, bluish covering. Stems unbranched.

SynonymDerwentia perfoliata
FamilyPlantaginaceae (revised from Scrophulariaceae)
StoreyLower storey
Size0.3-1.2 m x 0.4-1 m
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesPairs of 3-9-veined broadly ovate leaves 1.5-5 cm x 15-40 mm, veins emanating from base. Tip tapering to pointed, bases wrapped around stem, margins entire to finely scalloped or toothed.
Flower colourBlue to purplish-blue
Flowering timeSummer
FlowersTerminal sprays 10-45 cm long of up to 70 small blue flowers.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist soil in cool open forests. Tolerates light frost. Semi shade to dappled shade.
Garden useAn attractive small plant for a darker part of the garden, the blue leaves standing out. May also be useful in a fern garden.
Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common outside the Shire boundary.