Botanical name:

Hebe albicans (Hebe recurva) 

Common name(s):

Hebe

About:

Found in the rocky montane areas of Nelson, this hardy hebe species is an excellent plant choice for cold climates. It typically forms a compact shrub that can grow to a height of 45-60 cm. Its very attractive glaucous foliage, which can measure up to 3 cm long, is densely packed and exhibits a distinctive aesthetic appeal. The white flowers, featuring striking purple anthers, are densely clustered in small racemes and bloom during the warmer summer and autumn months, adding further visual interest to the landscape.

Natural habitat: 

It grows in a range of habitats, usually on rocks (often calcareous), from just above sea-level (for example on the banks of the Aorere River) to subalpine and penalpine situations.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

South Island - Nelson, from Mt Burnett in the north to the Glasgow Range in the south, and as far east as the Bryant Range.

Height: 60cm

Flowering:  

(November) December-March (May) with a Violet/Purple, White coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

(January) February-August (November)

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Pioneer Plantings & Flowers. 

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, semi hardwood cuttings & layering.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seeds direct & keep moist until germination is complete.