Botanical name:

Hebe densifolia (Chionohebe densifolia)

Common name(s):

Hebejeebie

About:

This particular hebe species features very small, oblong-shaped leaves that are a brownish green in colour. During the summer season, it showcases attractive white or violet flowers that have beautifully flaring petals. This hebe thrives in the high alpine regions of New Zealand’s South Island, where it finds its ideal habitat. It requires moist, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil to grow successfully and flourish in its natural environment.

Natural habitat:

Subalpine to alpine, in fell-field, tussock-grassland, on snow banks amongst rubble, in damp crevices on rock tors and outcrops, in areas of snow melt and inhabiting moist peaty hollows.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island (throughout), also present in Australia.

Height: 3-5cm

Flowering:
(October-) November – January with a white, violet/purple coloured flowers

Fruiting:

Throughout the year

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown in a rock garden or pot. In fact it is the only species that has proved reasonably suited to widespread cultivation. However, it rarely flowers at low altitudes and dislikes humidity and drought.

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