Botanical name:

Hebe hookeri

Common name(s):

Whipcord hebe

About:

A low growing, green, and leafless shrub characterised by its unique cross-shaped (in cross section) twigs. This fascinating plant predominantly inhabits the rugged mountains of South Island, specifically the regions north of the Waitaki River. The leaves of this shrub are scale-like in appearance, narrow, and overlapping, as they clasp tightly around the stem. Additionally, the margins boast fine pale hairs, while the tips feature a small pale pit, which may require the use of a lens to observe both details clearly.

Natural habitat:

Grows on alpine rock outcrops, and boulder fields, often in exposed situations.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Mountains of South Island, chiefly on or west of the Main Divide, from near Boulder Lake, northwest Nelson, to the Ben Ohau Range, Canterbury, and possibly to Mt Alta in Otago.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

(October-) November-February (-July) with a white coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

January – March (-August)

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from cuttings, rooted pieces and seed.

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