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Parahebe perfoliata
Koromiko
SE Australia (NSW, Victoria, ACT; rocky montane forests, cliff faces, stream banks; 2000-5000 ft / 600-1500 m)Learn more
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Maintenancelow
Overview
Parahebe perfoliata (syn. Veronica perfoliata, Derwentia perfoliata) is an evergreen, sprawling subshrub reaching 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) tall with a spread of 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) and an arching to trailing habit. Native to southeastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, ACT), this distinctive species has perfoliate leaves—the round to oval, blue-gray, leathery leaves appear to be pierced by the stems, which pass directly through the leaf bases, creating a unique strung-bead effect along the arching branches. Each leaf is 0.8-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) wide. Loose racemes of small blue-purple flowers 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) appear in July-September. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 8. The perfoliate leaf arrangement is unlike any other commonly cultivated plant.
Native Range
Parahebe perfoliata is native to southeastern Australia—New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory—in rocky montane forests, cliff faces, and stream banks at 2,000-5,000 feet (600-1,500 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in rock gardens, raised beds, gravel gardens, or trailing over walls at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. The perfoliate blue-gray leaves are the primary ornamental feature—unique among garden plants. Requires sharp drainage. Drought tolerant. Not suitable for wet soils, cold climates below zone 8, or heavy clay.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'6"
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Loose racemes of small blue-purple flowers 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) in July-September. Bloom duration is 6-8 weeks. The flowers complement the blue-gray foliage.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue-purple; small 0.3-0.4 inch; loose racemes; Jul-SepFoliage Description
Blue-gray; round to oval 0.8-1.5 inches; leathery; perfoliate (stems pass through leaf bases); strung-bead effectGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, lean soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Hardy to zone 8. Sharp drainage essential—rots in wet winter conditions. Drought tolerant once established. The blue-gray foliage color is strongest in lean, dry conditions. Cut back in spring to maintain compact form.Pruning
Cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 in early spring to maintain compact form and prevent legginess. Remove winter-damaged stems. Responds well to pruning.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons