Hebe, Genus, spp., Multiple species,

Genus
Multiple species

Hebe

Plantaginaceae

New Zealand and the southern temperate zone

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Hebe is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the family Plantaginaceae, with roughly 90 species centered on New Zealand and extending to southeastern Australia, New Guinea, and southern South America; botanists now place them within Veronica. Plants range from low mounds a few inches high to rounded shrubs 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, with smooth opposite leaves arranged in four ranks along the stems. Leaf size separates two broad groups: large-leaved species with longer flower spikes and lower cold tolerance, and small-leaved or whipcord species that are hardier and more wind- and salt-resistant. From late spring through summer, dense spikes 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long carry many small four-lobed flowers in white, lilac, purple, pink, or blue. The flowers draw bees and other insects. Native to coastal cliffs, grasslands, and mountains, hebes withstand wind and salt spray but are damaged by hard winter cold, with the large-leaved kinds the most frost-tender. Growth can become open and bare at the base with age.

Native Range

Native mainly to New Zealand, where the genus is most diverse, with additional species in southeastern Australia, New Guinea, and southern South America. Plants grow on coastal cliffs, in lowland grassland and scrub, and on subalpine to alpine slopes.

Suggested Uses

Used for low hedging, coastal plantings, mixed borders, and containers, spaced 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) apart depending on the species. The summer spikes support bees and other pollinators. Compact mounded forms also edge paths and fill gravel gardens.

How to Identify

Recognized by paired, untoothed leaves set in four ranks so the shoots look squared in cross-section, and by terminal spikes of small four-lobed flowers with two protruding stamens. Whipcord species have tiny scale-like leaves pressed to the stem and resemble a conifer. A leaf-bud at the shoot tip, often with a visible gap or sinus, is a feature shared across the group.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 6'

Width/Spread1' - 5'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Flowers: May–August

Spring Summer

Most species flower from late spring through summer, and some continue into autumn in mild areas. The crowded spikes open from the base upward and last several weeks. Trimming spent spikes can bring a lighter second flush in some species.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, lilac, purple, pink, or blue

Foliage Description

green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5 (Neutral to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Hebes grow in full sun to part shade in free-draining, moderately fertile soil. Steady moisture suits them, but they do not tolerate waterlogging or prolonged drought. Hardiness varies widely: small-leaved and whipcord species withstand USDA zone 7, while large-leaved species are limited to zones 9 to 10. Coastal exposure, wind, and salt spray are tolerated better than hard frost. Shelter from cold drying winds reduces winter dieback in colder gardens. Compact species grow well in containers of free-draining mix.

Pruning

A light trim after flowering keeps plants bushy and removes spent spikes. Plants tolerate cutting back into younger wood but resprout slowly from bare old stems. Frost-damaged shoots are removed once new growth shows in spring.