Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Veronica x franciscana 'Blue Gem'
Blue Gem Hebe
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Height
- Up to 4.5 feet
- Width
- 4.5 feet
- Flower color
- Deep purple or vivid blue flowers in dense clusters
- Foliage color
- Glossy green with burgundy stems
- Bloom time
- Late spring through summer
- Light
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Minimal; requires occasional trimming to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- Hardy in zones 8 to 10
- Wildlife
- Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Veronica x franciscana 'Blue Gem' is a compact evergreen shrublet admired for its vivid blue-violet flowers, lush green foliage, and distinctive burgundy-red stems. Blooming from late spring into summer, the dense clusters of small, colorful blooms create a striking contrast against the glossy leaves and vibrant stems. This combination of features ensures year-round interest, with the red stems adding depth and texture even outside the flowering season.
A hybrid of New Zealand origin, 'Blue Gem' was bred to enhance the ornamental qualities of its native relatives. Its compact form, bright flowers, and unique stem coloration make it a versatile choice for rock gardens, borders, or containers, where it provides a dynamic mix of color and structure throughout the year.
Companion plants
Tickseed · Russian sage · Potentilla · Fountain grass · Basket-of-gold · Lily of the Nile
Design tip
Draw attention to ‘Blue Gem’s’ burgundy-red stems by keeping the shrub visible beyond its flowering season. The colored framework adds depth beneath glossy evergreen foliage, while vivid blue-violet flowers transform the same plant into a stronger focal point through summer.
