Botanical name:

Hebe obtusata

Common name(s):

Hebe

About:

This is a semi-prostrate shrub that typically reaches a height and spread of approximately 45 x 75 cm. It can be found naturally on Auckland's west coast, thriving in its unique environment. The small, thick leaves of this plant display a lovely yellowish green hue, adding a touch of color to the landscape. The pale mauve flowers bloom over an extended period, starting in late summer and continuing well into the warmer months. This shrub serves as a useful groundcover plant and is particularly well-suited for spilling over banks and walls in regions where frosts are not too severe.

Natural habitat:

Strictly coastal. Usually found on sparsely vegetated steep slopes and banks, in low windswept scrub and on cliff faces and rock stacks. May be found threaded through Carex’s, Poa anceps and flax (Phormium tenax).

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island - Occurs near the west coast of North Island, chiefly west of Auckland between Muriwai and Manukau Heads, but also further south, at Kawhia Harbour.

Height: 50cm

Flowering:

(November-) January-August with a violet or purple coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

(November-) January-September

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, semi-hardwood cuttings and layered pieces. An attractive prostrate shrub for a sunny border, bank or wall. Can be grown through sedges and grasses. Flower colour is variable in the wild and this species could do with some critical horticultural selection to obtain the more brightly coloured forms

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