Veronica gentianoides Variegata

Veronica gentianoides 'Variegata' is a graceful, floriferous medium-sized herbaceous perennial. It has a basal rosette of lovely bright and shiny green foliage splashed with cream. From spring to early summer, spikes of graceful and delicate light blue flowers streaked with lilac appear. A beautiful Veronica, prized  for its variegated semi-evergreen foliage and abundant flowering!

Veronica gentianoides, also called Veronica with gentian-like leaves or Caucasian Veronica, is a vigorous, hardy and very floriferous herbaceous perennial, belonging to the scrophulariaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus, Ukraine, and the northern and central regions of Turkey. 'Variegata' is a variegated form, forming a spreading clump of about 40 cm (16in) in circumference, like a ground cover. This variety has basal rosettes of bright, shiny dark green leaves edged with cream-white. Its wide, lanceolate, thick, about 8 cm (3in) long leaves can be evergreen, depending on the climate. From April to July 45 cm (18in) tall flower stems, bearing long terminal clusters of pale blue flowers, veined with lilac emerge from the foliage. This nectar-rich Veronica with gentian-like leaves is attractive to many pollinating insects.

This variegated Caucasian Veronica is very easy to grow and requires no maintenance. It will do best in full sun, but can tolerate light shade. In a more shaded position, its foliage may show less variegation. It will enhance rockeries, bordering alleys and paths, or the base of bushes, roses or clematis. In flower beds and mixed borders, it is the perfect companion for many perennial plants, like Iris germanica, perennial Geraniums, Anthemis, Aconites, Primroses or Caucasian Forget-me-nots. Its cream-edged foliage brightens the flower beds with other perennial plants with coloured foliage or stems, Penstemons, Heucheras or grasses.