Veronica rakaiensis (Syn: Hebe rakaiensis) is a small evergreen shrub from the South Island of New Zealand with a compact neat habit, small glossy mid-green foliage and conical-shaped inflorescences of white flowers borne freely in summer. A tough plant, it is perfectly hardy in the UK and - tolerant of salt air - is suitable for coastal situations. It is quick-growing and undemanding, growing in any free-draining soil.