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Key characteristics

Family: Plantaginaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: Small pale lavender to soft violet flowers held above the foliage
Foliage color: Bright golden yellow foliage with fine texture and a low spreading habit
Bloom time: Late spring to summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; prefers well drained soil and consistent moisture
Maintenance: Low; trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 8 to 10
Wildlife: Pollinators attracted to nectar rich flowers

Shrubs

Veronica odora 'New Zealand Gold'

New Zealand Gold Boxwood Hebe

Veronica odora 'New Zealand Gold' produces small, pale lavender to soft lilac flowers in late spring to early summer, held just above the foliage in delicate clusters. Tiny, rounded leaves are bright golden-yellow, closely spaced along the stems to form a dense, cushion-like mat with a fine, textured surface. The foliage maintains its warm color through the season, while the flowers emerge lightly above the leaves, adding subtle contrast.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well drained soil and consistent moisture

Bloom time

Late spring to summer

Find this plant

Companion plants

Yarrow · Oregon grape · Coreopsis · Blanket flower · Phlox · Bulgarian honey garlic

Design tip

Brighten visually quiet areas with New Zealand Gold’s luminous evergreen foliage. Its dense, cushion-like habit creates a concentrated pool of color at ground level, while the fine texture keeps the golden mass from appearing heavy or overly dominant.