Veronica formosa

Speedwell Bush

Veronica formosa R.Br.

Veronica formosa, a member of the Plantaginaceae family, is endemic to Tasmania and grows on rocky hillsides from sea-level to altitudes of about 1200 m. It has been sighted at Port Dalrymple on the north-east coast and on Mt Wellington. The species was previously known as Hebe formosa.

The plant is a perennial shrub ranging in height from 0.5 to 2 m depending on its growing conditions. The glabrous, dark-green leaves distinguish this species when it is not in flower. They are thickish and small, 7-15 mm long, elliptical to lanceolate and are arranged in close-set, opposite pairs with the bases of each pair fused across the stem. In late spring and early summer it blooms profusely and is covered with many small flowers varying in colour from pale lilac to violet blue. These typical Veronica f lowers have an unequal four-lobed corolla with two exserted stamens and are carried in racemes which are numerous in the axils of the upper leaves, forming a leafy branched inflorescence.

Veronica formosa will grow in most soils. Although it flowers better in the sun, it will tolerate shade. In its natural environment it is regarded as being frost-hardy and can withstand frosts up to -7ºC. The species is ideal as a rockery plant as it will spread over rocks and reaches a height of 60 to 70 cm. V. formosa responds well to pruning as it tends to become lanky. In winter the old stems should be cut back to make the plant more compact. V. formosa is best propagated by cuttings taken in late January and these take about six weeks to strike. There are many specimens of this attractive species growing in various locations in the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Text by Tim Mulcahy, ANBG (1986)

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