Hebe pimeleoides

Hebe - veronica is a genus of evergreen shrubs or even small trees native to New Zealand. They thrive in its naturally humid climate and mild winters so if we want to grow some its species in Central European continental climate we must carefully choose those which have proved hardy and have adapted to our drier conditions. Those are usually species with small, and often glaucous foliage. We offer a wider range of hebes hardy to USDA zone 6, only a few have survived temperatures lower than -24°C (e.g. hebe ochracea).

Blue hebe comes from the mountains of Marlborough and Cantebury in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a low, evergreen shrub with small, perfectly elliptic, silvery blue leaves. In June or early July appear small clusters of tiny, pale lilac violet flowers atop its rather thin and flexible twigs. Light trimming after flowering is recommended in order to keep the plant compact and bushy - this species is quite variable and left to its own devices it might exhibit a rather prostrate growth losing its pretty, dense habit developed by the nursery grower.

Hebes need very well-drained but constantly moist, poor or medium fertile soil that is anything from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It needs good mulching at all times. They are hardy on sites sheltered from strong, drying winds, and tender species should be protected from direct winter sunlight. Hardy to about -24°C (USDA zone 6) and should the temperature drop lower protect them with fir branches or white woven. water well before frost.

Last update 01-12-2019