Veronica elliptica
Veronica elliptica, commonly known as Coastal Veronica, is one of New Zealand's most resilient coastal shrubs, renowned for its exceptional salt tolerance and ability to thrive in the harshest seaside conditions. This bushy evergreen shrub grows naturally along rocky coastlines from Taranaki to Stewart Island, forming dense, wind-resistant mounds up to 2 meters tall with distinctive dark green glossy leaves edged with narrow white-hairy margins. Traditionally known as koromiko by MÄÂori, this culturally significant plant has been valued for centuries as a powerful traditional medicine, particularly for digestive ailments and as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhea. The small white to pale purple flowers appear in dense spikes from late spring through autumn, though flowering may be reduced in northern New Zealand. With its exceptional tolerance to salt-laden winds, rocky terrain, and coastal exposure, Coastal Veronica represents the perfect choice for seaside gardens, coastal revegetation projects, and anywhere a tough, attractive evergreen shrub is needed to withstand challenging maritime conditions. coastal plants
Image credit: Coastal Hebe (Veronica elliptica). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Veronica elliptica |
|---|---|
| Height | 1-2 meters |
| Spread | 1-1.5 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate - drought tolerant once established |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate to good frost tolerance |
| Salt Tolerance | Excellent - highly salt tolerant |
| Soil Type | Adaptable to most soil types, prefers well-draining |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | \nLong-lived perennial | \n
| Flowering Time | Late spring to autumn |
| Conservation Status | Not Threatened |
Coastal Veronica is naturally adapted to New Zealand's maritime climate, thriving in areas with salt-laden winds, moderate temperatures, and variable rainfall. This robust shrub performs excellently in coastal conditions but adapts well to inland gardens throughout most of New Zealand. It tolerates both drought and moderately wet conditions once established.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Coastal hebe thrives in free-draining soils and will tolerate sand, loam, or light clay as long as winter drainage is good. Alkaline to neutral pH is fine; avoid waterlogged sites.
Best in full sun near the coast; inland it also performs in light shade. Strong light produces the most compact growth and heaviest flowering.
Low water needs once established. Water regularly only through the first growing season and during extended summer droughts.
Coastal Veronica offers exceptional versatility for challenging garden situations:
The dense, mounded growth habit makes this plant excellent for informal hedging or mass plantings. Its year-round attractive foliage and extended flowering period provide long-lasting garden interest with minimal maintenance requirements.
Coastal Veronica responds well to regular light pruning to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Prune lightly after the main flowering period to maintain compact form and encourage bushier growth. Remove about one-third of the new growth to keep the plant tidy and promote flowering.
The best time for pruning is immediately after flowering (late autumn to winter). Avoid heavy pruning during active growing season as this may reduce flowering.
Old or leggy plants can be cut back quite hard in late winter to rejuvenate growth. The plant generally responds well to hard pruning, though flowering may be reduced in the following season.
Plant in autumn or spring when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is more reliable. Avoid planting during extreme weather conditions and ensure consistent watering during establishment.
Choose a site with good drainage and adequate air movement. Coastal Veronica thrives in exposed positions but will also grow well in more sheltered garden situations. Consider the mature size when spacing plants.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container and the same depth. Plant at the same level as in the container. Backfill with original soil - no need for soil improvement in most cases. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of organic mulch.
Water regularly for the first 6-12 months during dry periods. Once established, the plant becomes very drought tolerant. Monitor for any signs of stress during the first growing season.
Coastal Veronica is easily propagated through several reliable methods:
Take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots in late summer to autumn. Cut sections about 10-15cm long, remove lower leaves, and dip in rooting hormone. Plant in well-draining potting mix and keep moist until roots develop (usually 6-8 weeks).
Coastal Veronica can be successfully propagated by layering, where flexible branches are bent to the ground and covered with soil while still attached to the parent plant. This natural method often occurs spontaneously in garden settings.
Seeds can be collected when ripe and sown in spring. Seeds are wind dispersed in nature and germinate readily in suitable conditions. Seedlings may show variation from parent plants, particularly in cultivated varieties.
Known traditionally as koromiko, Coastal Veronica holds deep significance in Māori culture as one of the most important medicinal plants. The name encompasses several related species including Veronica elliptica, V. stricta, and V. salicifolia, all valued for their healing properties.
Koromiko was extensively used by Māori for treating digestive ailments, particularly diarrhea and dysentery. Young shoots were chewed raw or prepared as infusions, while tender leaves were bruised and applied as poultices for ulcers and wounds. The plant was considered such an excellent remedy that dried leaves were sent to Māori servicemen overseas during both World Wars.
Early European settlers quickly adopted koromiko for medicinal purposes, particularly valuing it as a reliable treatment for digestive problems. The plant's effectiveness was so well-recognized that it became one of the most important traditional medicines in colonial New Zealand.
Today, Coastal Veronica is valued both for its cultural heritage and its exceptional garden performance. Its salt tolerance makes it invaluable for coastal restoration projects and climate-resilient gardening.
Coastal Veronica is generally very healthy and pest-free, especially when grown in suitable conditions.
The most serious threat is poor drainage leading to root rot. Ensure excellent drainage, particularly in heavy soils or areas prone to waterlogging.
Occasionally affected by scale insects, particularly on plants grown in sheltered positions. Monitor regularly and treat with horticultural oil if necessary.
Aphids may occasionally affect young growth but are rarely a serious problem. Beneficial insects usually provide adequate control. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that may harm beneficial pollinators.
Coastal Veronica provides crucial habitat and food sources for coastal wildlife, including nectar for various pollinators and shelter for small birds. Its deep root system helps prevent coastal erosion and contributes to dune stabilization.
Taxonomy: "Hebe salicifolia" is a synonym of Veronica salicifolia following modern reclassification.
The sending of koromiko leaves to MÄÂori servicemen during both World Wars demonstrates the deep cultural trust in this plant's medicinal properties and represents an important chapter in New Zealand's wartime history.
Coastal hebe was recognized by Māori as one of the hardy coastal plants that indicated specific maritime conditions, valued for its ability to thrive in challenging coastal environments and its role in diverse coastal plant communities. The plant's presence contributed to understanding of coastal ecology and seasonal patterns, while its resilient nature demonstrated adaptation to harsh environmental conditions.
New Zealand’s shrubby veronicas (formerly Hebe) are diverse. Coastal plantings commonly pair Coastal Hebe with these species for structure and extended flowering:
Veronica salicifolia
Upright, willow‑leaved koromiko with white to lilac blooms; widely used for shelter and revegetation.
Learn more
Veronica stricta
Robust shelter species with erect racemes; traditional rongoā koromiko widely referenced in historical sources.
Learn moreSite: Choose an open, sunny position with excellent drainage and exposure to moving air. Inland, provide afternoon shade in hot districts.
Soil preparation: Work in grit or coarse sand on heavy soils to prevent winter wet. Avoid rich, water‑retentive mixes.
Planting: Dig a hole twice the rootball width, set the crown level with the surface, backfill firmly, and water to settle. Space 1.0–1.5 m apart for informal hedging.
Aftercare: Mulch lightly, keeping material off stems. Water for the first season during dry periods until established.
Wind: Very wind‑tolerant; ideal for exposed coasts.
Salt: High salt tolerance; suitable right to the shoreline on stable sites.
Temperature: Hardy to light frosts once established; protect young plants from severe inland frosts.
Feeding: Generally unnecessary; a light compost top‑dress in spring is sufficient on poor soils.
Pruning: Tip‑prune after flowering to maintain shape; hard prune in late winter to rejuvenate older shrubs.
Mulching: Use a thin mineral mulch on windy, sandy sites to reduce water loss without trapping moisture against stems.
Evergreen, bushy shrub typically 1–2 m high (occasionally taller in mild coasts) with rounded to oval, glossy green leaves 2–4 cm long, often with fine white hairs on the margins. Dense inflorescences of white to pale mauve flowers appear at shoot tips in summer, attracting pollinators. Habit is naturally compact and wind‑firm, forming mounds in exposed sites.
Veronica are characterized by their simple, opposite leaves and distinctive four-petaled flowers arranged in terminal or axillary spikes or racemes. The genus ranges from tiny alpine cushion plants to small trees, with leaves varying from needle-like to broad and oval, often with attractive textures and colors. Their rapid evolution from herbaceous ancestors has produced remarkable diversity in size and form while maintaining consistent floral characteristics.
On rocky shores and coastal bluffs, Coastal Hebe binds shallow soils, reduces wind speed at ground level, and provides nectar and cover for coastal invertebrates and small birds. In restoration, it quickly establishes a low shelter canopy that facilitates later successional species.
Veronica play vital ecological roles as nectar sources for native insects, butterflies, and occasionally birds, with their abundant flowers providing food throughout much of the growing season. Many species serve as nurse plants in harsh environments, creating sheltered microsites that enable other native plants to establish. Their diverse growth forms from groundcovers to small trees fill numerous ecological niches in New Zealand's ecosystems.
Use as a tough, low‑maintenance structural shrub for seaside gardens, coastal revegetation, and public plantings. Combines well with Olearia, Coprosma, and low Phormium in salt‑exposed sites.
Provide full sun, free‑draining soil, and space for air movement. Avoid boggy ground and heavy summer watering. Inland, select the warmest, most sheltered micro‑site.
Veronica species generally prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and benefit from shelter from cold, drying winds. They propagate easily from semi-hardwood cuttings and fresh seed, with most species preferring cool climates and struggling in hot, humid conditions. Good drainage is essential as waterlogging can be fatal, while many species tolerate coastal conditions and moderate drought once established.
Coastal Hebe (Veronica elliptica) is widespread around New Zealand’s coasts and offshore islands and is not considered threatened. It is frequently included in coastal restoration plantings due to its salt tolerance and wind resilience. Local pressures include browsing and site disturbance near settlements; protecting remnant coastal shrublands and controlling weeds helps maintain healthy populations.
Coastal Hebe supports pollinators throughout summer with nectar‑rich blooms and provides shelter for invertebrates and skinks in exposed sites. Its dense form creates valuable wind baffles in restoration plantings.
Veronica have evolved sophisticated adaptations including specialized leaf structures for different climates, wind and water dispersed seeds, and the ability to hybridize readily which has contributed to their spectacular diversification. Their evolution into woody forms from herbaceous ancestors represents adaptation to New Zealand's forest-dominated pre-human landscape where height provided competitive advantage. Many species exhibit remarkable tolerance to environmental extremes including salt, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
Sea cliffs, rocky headlands, stabilized coastal screes and banks from lowland to about 50 m elevation; tolerates heavy salt spray, gale winds, and thin soils.
The genus occupies virtually every habitat in New Zealand from coastal salt meadows and cliff faces to alpine fellfields and snow-bank communities near the treeline. Different species show strong habitat preferences, with coastal forms tolerating salt spray and wind, montane species preferring cool, moist conditions, and alpine species adapted to extreme temperature fluctuations and intense UV radiation. Many species thrive in open, sunny situations with good air circulation.
