No, 'Veronica Whitewater' is generally not a good choice for planting directly over a French drain because it requires well-drained to dry soil conditions. French drains are designed to collect and channel excess water, which means the surrounding soil will likely be too moist for this plant, potentially leading to root rot or poor performance.
The safest ground covers for a French drain are permeable materials like gravel or river rock, or certain types of shallow-rooted ground cover plants, as these do not interfere with the drain's function and prevent clogging.
Material Options: Gravel or Crushed Stone: This is the most common and effective option. The stone’s loose structure allows water to flow through easily into the drainage system.
Best Options: Washed, round rock (like river rock) or crushed #57 stone (about 3/4" to 1" in size) are ideal. Their size and shape prevent them from compacting or getting tracked inside the house.
To Avoid: Avoid small materials like pea gravel without proper containment, as they can shift easily, and avoid crushed rock with "fines" (small, powdery rock dust) that can compact and clog the system over time.
Topsoil/Sod: You can cover the French drain with topsoil and reseed with grass or lay sod for a seamless lawn appearance. However, this requires careful installation using two layers of non-woven geotextile fabric (one wrapped around the pipe and gravel, and another layer separating the top gravel from the topsoil) to prevent the soil from migrating into the drain system and clogging it.
Hardscaping: You can integrate steppingstones, a wooden footbridge, or a full gravel pathway over the drain for a functional and decorative solution.
Planting Options
If you choose to plant over or near the French drain, select plants with non-aggressive, shallow root systems.
Shallow-rooted ground covers: Creeping thyme or other shallow-rooted options are excellent choices that won't interfere with the system.
Ornamental Grasses: Certain ornamental grasses can add visual interest and help with erosion control without damaging the pipe.
What to Avoid: Do not plant shrubs or trees with deep, aggressive root systems near the French drain, as their roots can damage or clog the pipe over time. Keep larger plants at least 3-4 feet away from the trench area.

Shallow-rooted ornamental grasses are perfect for containers, rock gardens, and borders, with great options including Elijah Blue Fescue (blue color), Blue-Eyed Grass (dainty flowers), Mondo Grass (dark green, groundcover), Japanese Forest Grass, and various Sedges (Carex) like Everest or Ice Dance for shade, offering fine textures, bright colors, and low-mounding habits ideal for small spaces.
Best practices for your French drain: To ensure the drain functions effectively and the sod grows properly, follow these guidelines: Use Geotextile Fabric: The entire drain system (gravel and pipe) must be wrapped in a non-woven geotextile filter fabric. This critical step prevents soil and roots from entering and clogging the gravel and perforated pipe, which is a leading cause of drain failure. Add Sufficient Topsoil: Place at least 2 to 4 inches of topsoil over the final layer of fabric before laying the sod. This provides the necessary medium for the sod's roots to establish themselves and thrive. Proper Backfilling: Layering: The trench should be filled in layers: a base layer of gravel, the perforated pipe (holes facing down), more gravel to cover the pipe, the final layer of fabric, and then the topsoil. Compaction: Lightly compact the topsoil to eliminate large air pockets, but avoid excessive compaction, as this can hinder water percolation into the drain system. Maintain the Sod: Sod over a French drain may dry out faster than the surrounding lawn because water drains away quickly from the area. Regular watering, especially during dry periods or if you don't have an irrigation system, is recommended to keep the grass healthy. Avoid Aggressive Root Systems: Do not plant trees or large shrubs with aggressive root systems near the drain, as their roots can interfere with the pipe over time. Shallow-rooted ornamental grasses or ground covers are better alternatives if you prefer plants other than a standard lawn. By following these steps, you can effectively hide your French drain while ensuring it continues to provide efficient drainage for your yard for years to come.

Hope this helps!