Veronica vernicosa, commonly known as varnished hebe, is an evergreen shrub native to the alpine and subalpine zones of the South Island of New Zealand, where it thrives in rocky, well-drained soils. It typically grows to a compact size of 20 inches (50 cm) in both height and width. Varnished hebe has glossy, green leaves and produces white or pale lilac flowers in the summer, which are attractive to bees and butterflies. The plant’s foliage may take on a bronze hue in colder weather, adding winter interest.

Varnished hebe is valued for its low maintenance requirements, tolerance of windy conditions, and resistance to deer. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in containers for its neat, rounded form and attractive foliage. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil; it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. ’Mrs Winder’ is a popular cultivar known for its larger flowers and robust growth. While generally disease-free, varnished hebe can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may suffer from hebe dieback (a form of stem blight). It is not considered invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0