Back in 1997, Jan Verschoor set the ball rolling on a mission to create a whole new series of Veronicas.  

Working in a controlled environment and using established favourites such as 'Red Fox' and 'Heidekind' together with some of his own seedlings from previous crossings, Jan set out to create plants to meet a number of criteria, such as having a lot of flowers, a compact and uniform habit, and harmonious colouring of flowers and foliage together.  

Veronica seedlings from which V. 'Purpleicious' was a selection

Plenty of seedlings were produced, which were planted out in the field. These flowered in the second year after the crosses were made, since which time Jan began to select the best performers.   

The plants remained in the field and also produced their own seedlings, further adding to the range of possibilities.  

Jan continued to observe them and make selections, until finally in the summer of 2003, the first 5 varieties were chosen to be introduced, including the plant which would become V. 'Purpleicious'.

Named for the uniquely rich purple colouring of its flowers, V. 'Purpleicious' is a fine example of Jan's decision to develop plants with flower and foliage colours that combine harmoniously.

Its leaves are a deep-green, which as well as denoting a healthy constitution work together with the flowers to create a plant which can truly be described as 'dark and handsome'!

This colour blend means that while V. 'Purpleicious' may not be a plant that jumps out at you, it is one which will find its way into the long-term affections of many.