Veronica

VERONICA PINQUIFOLIA.--New Zealand, 1870. This is one of the hardiest

species, but it is of low growth, and only suitable for alpine

gardening. It is a dwarf spreading shrub, with intensely glaucous leaves

and white flowers.



V. TRAVERSII.--New Zealand, 1873. This may be considered as one of the

few species of hardy Veronicas. It grows about 4 feet high, with deep

green leaves arranged in rows, and white f owers, produced late in

summer. It is a very free-growing shrub, of perfect hardihood, and one

of, if not the best for general planting.



The above two species are, so far as is at present known, the hardiest

in cultivation, although there are many kinds that will succeed well

under very favourable conditions, and particularly when planted by the

sea-side. Other half-hardy species might include V. salicifolia

(Willow-leaved Veronica), with long, narrow leaves, and white or

purplish flowers; V. ligustrifolia (Privet-leaved Veronica), with spikes

of feathery-white flowers; V. speciosa, with erect spikes of

purplish-blue flowers; and V. Andersoni, a hybrid form, with spikes of

bluish-violet flowers.



The dwarf or alpine species might include V. cupressoides, with

Cypress-like foliage, V. Lyallii, V. carnosula, and others, but such

hardly come within our scope.