Another uncommon coniferous shrub, also very distinct and more generally useful than the last, is _Podocarpus alpina_. Though a native of Tasmania, it grows at high elevations, and is able to resist severe frost. Dark green in foliage, only about 2 feet in height, and of a somewhat spreading nature, it is never out of place in the Rock Garden, whether large or small.
From Conifers we may pass to Veronicas, certain of which might almost be mistaken for some minute form of Cypress. Of this character is a small group known in New Zealand, the natural habitat of a large number of shrubby species, by the apposite name of Whipcord Veronicas. Being themselves alpine, they are particularly well suited for grouping with low-growing mountain plants. Six species or varieties of this interesting section grow naturally at elevations ranging from 7000 to 4000 feet, and are much more hardy than is generally supposed. These are: _V. cupressoides_, _V. c. var. variabilis_, _V. lycopodioides_, _V. Armstrongii_, _V. Hectori_, _V. loganioides_.
The form of _V. cupressoides_, known as _variabilis_, was mistaken, on its first introduction, for a distinct species, _V. salicornoides_, and may still be met with under that name. The small violet or white flowers of these miniature evergreen shrubs are not perhaps much to be taken into account, but they have a distinct value of their own as rock-work greenery. There are other dwarf New Zealand Veronicas of a leafy character, differing essentially from these mimetic species, such as _V. carnosula_ and _V. pinguifolia_, also inhabiting regions 5000 feet above the sea-level, which are suited for localities with average advantages of climate. Others again, such as _V. Lyallii_, _V. glauco-cærulea_, and _V. hulkeana_, though they grow naturally at lower altitudes, and must be reckoned only half-hardy, may yet be serviceable for Rock Gardens on the southern sea-board, or on the west coast of Scotland. Belonging to the larger-growing and more familiar species of Shrubby Veronica, mention may be made of a good purple-flowered hybrid, of very compact growth, known as Purple Queen, which is exceedingly ornamental from its free-flowering habit. Many of the losses sustained amongst these interesting New Zealand shrubs are owing to drought rather than to frost, and their extreme susceptibility to dryness at the root is a fact not recognised as it should be.