Botanical name:

Hebe bishopiana

Common name(s):

Waitakere rock koromiko 

About:

An attractive and appealing low-growing hebe species commonly found in the scenic Waitakere Range, which is located to the west of Auckland. This plant typically grows to a height of approximately 30 cm to 1 m and features purplish stems along with dark green leaves that can reach lengths of up to 7.5 cm, displaying purplish undersides that enhance their visual appeal. During the flowering periods, the hebe produces lovely mauve flowers that appear in long, graceful racemes, adding charm to the surrounding landscape.

Natural habitat: 

Stream sides, gorges, damp or partially shaded rock outcrops, often in or around seepages on cliff faces, or protruding from Astelia banksii clumps at the apex of rock outcrops.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

North Island. Known only from the Waitakere Ranges, west of Auckland city, where it occurs from the upper Anawhata and Waitakere Stream south to Destruction Gully. This is the only vascular plant endemic to the Waitakere Ranges.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

March to August (sporadic flowering may occur throughout the year) with a Violet/Purple, White coloured flowers.

Fruiting:
April to November

Uses: 

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

How to grow:

Very easily grown from fresh seed and semi hardwood cuttings. An excellent low shrub for a sunny place. Does best in a damp but free draining soil, though it is drought tolerant. A spectacular plant when planted on a rock wall. The maroon tinged dark green leaves are attractive on their own. However, this species has a long flowering period and is rarely without at least some flowers.

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