Veronica crinita syn. V. teucrium

A rarely found plant. With strong pink-purple flowers bourne aloft on strong stems. The leaves are olive green and rough and pleated. The whole lot is set off with the purple stems and midribs. The native range of this species is SE. Europe. 1.8m tall. Prefers the moister areas, but tough for me so far as I have none of that and it is thriving in a sand bed at a reduced height. Many herbal uses. Spring to summer flowering.  New to me I think it is gorgeous for the back of a border... or huge in a  meadow.