809B-2-Veronica-perfoliata-fl-Lorraine-Phelan.jpg

Veronica perfoliata

Digger's Speedwell

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

Additional information

  • 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.
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Lorraine Phelan, NatureShare ©

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