Botanical name:

Hebe chathamica

Common name(s):

Chatham Island koromiko

About:

As its name suggests, this distinctive hebe is notably found on the remote Chatham Islands. It is a prostrate shrub that typically grows to a height of around 30 cm with a spread of approximately 1 m. The leaves of this plant are quite fleshy and exhibit a shiny green colour on the upper surface, while the undersides are a pale, contrasting shade. The flowers of the hebe are usually white and bloom from late spring through to autumn, creating a pleasing visual display. This plant is particularly suitable for coastal plantings and is effective for spilling over walls and rocks or serving as an attractive ground-cover. In warmer regions, regular pruning is especially important to maintain a compact and tidy habit, enhancing its overall appearance and health.

Natural habitat: 

Mostly coastal though can occasionally be found growing well inland on exposed rock outcrops, and common along the shores of Te Whanga. Usually in salt meadow, on cliff tops, on rock stacks, on cobble beaches, more rarely in coastal forest around petrel burrows.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands, Chatham, Pitt, Mangere, Little Mangere, South-East, Star Keys, Sisters, Forty Fours and Rabbit Islands – also many near shore rock stacks. 

Height: 30cm

Flowering: 

December – July with a Violet/Purple, White coloured flowers.


Fruiting: 

January – December

Uses: 

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from cuttings, rooted pieces and seed. A very attractive Hebe species which is excellent in a rock garden, pot or hanging basket, and great in a coastal garden. Sadly flowering is often erratic in warmer more humid climates.

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