Botanical name:

Hebe amplexicaulis

Common name(s):

Hebe 

About:

This is a prostrate shrub that can be found thriving in the mountains of mid-Canterbury. Its striking bluish leaves are oval in shape and quite thick, giving the plant a sturdy appearance similar to that of H. pinguifolia. Notably, it is very cold hardy, making it resilient to harsh weather conditions, and it thrives best in well-drained soil environments.

Natural habitat: 

Low montane to subalpine (mostly subalpine). A rupestral of steep-sided rock outcrops – where it grows in joints and crevices, gorges and more rarely boulder falls.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:
New Zealand’s South Canterbury in the South Island. Mt Somers, Mt Peel, Four Peaks Range and Orari Gorge.

Height: 50cm

Flowering: 

October - January (-March) with a Violet/Purple, White coloured flowers

Fruiting:

January - December

Uses: 

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from cuttings and fresh seed. Prefers a sunny site and should be planted in a free draining soil. Dislikes humidity

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