366 ROCK GARDENS 



berries. It grows about 9 inches high, and is an attractive little 

 plant for a peaty comer. There are a great number of American 

 species, but either too coarse-growing or not of sufficient value for 

 the rock garden. 



Veronica (Scrophulariaceae) 



A very large genus, very variable in habit. While some are 

 creeping, others form good-sized shrubs. The following are a selec- 

 tion of the best and hardiest : — 



V. Autu7nn Glory. — A shrubby garden hybrid of much beauty 

 and value. Foliage very dark green and handsome. Spikes of 

 deep violet-blue flowers, freely produced in the autumn. A species 

 of much value and beauty, of easy culture, and propagated readily 

 from cuttings. 



V. Bidwillii. — A sub-shrubby plant of prostrate habit. Dark 

 green foUage and starry white or pink flowers in great profusion 

 during the whole summer. Any cool, open spot suits it well. 

 One of the prettiest and best. 



V. canescens. — A very minute, creeping species, with tiny, whitish, 

 hairy leaves, and comparatively large pale blue flowers. A most 

 dainty little plant for a choice spot on a level with the eye. Any 

 hght soil suits it well. 



V. Cha7fiaedrys (Germander Speedwell). — The well-known native 

 species. Has heart-shaped, hairy leaves, and bright blue flowers in 

 the greatest profusion. Creeping habit. 



V. cJiathajnica. — A prostrate shrubby species, making long, 

 rambling growths and box -like leaves, and spikes of purple 

 flowers. A very choice plant, and should be grown in a sheltered 

 spot, to hang over the face of some rock. 



V. cupressoides. — A shrubby species, growing 2 to 3 feet high. 

 The foliage is attractive, being like a cypress. Violet-coloured 

 flowers. Comes from New Zealand, and is fairly hardy in this 

 countr)'. 



V. Hulkeana. — A shrubby species. Bright green, rather leathery 

 leaves. Flowers a very beautiful shade of pale lilac, freely pro- 

 duced in May and June. Rather straggling habit, and growing 2 

 to 3 feet high, but needs support. It looks very well in a semi- 

 decumbent position on some bank. One of the most lovely of all 

 the Veronicas, but not very hardy, and should be planted in a 

 sheltered and sunny position in good sandy loam. Easily 

 propagated by cuttings. 



V. Lavaudiana. — Sheltered position in sandy loam and leaf-mould. 

 Stems decumbent, branches erect. Compact habit, growing about 

 9 to 12 inches high. Leaves dark green, margined with dark 

 brownish-crimson. Flowers white, and buds red, borne in spreading 



