Botanical name:

Hebe poppelwellii

Common name(s):

Hebe

About:

A spreading, low-growing shrub that uniquely bears yellowish-green, erect, narrow, and short scaly twigs. This resilient plant is typically found inhabiting the rugged southern mountains of New Zealand’s South Island. The leaves of the shrub are distinctive, being scale-like in shape, striped, and closely packed together, featuring a rounded tip and a clasping stem that aids in its ability to thrive in its environment. The flowers, which are a striking white, bloom in attractive groups of 6 to 12 at the tips of the twigs, providing a beautiful display. This shrub is considered a great option for those living in cooler climates, adding both aesthetic appeal and hardiness to outdoor spaces.

Natural habitat:

It grows in penalpine grassland and low shrubland.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

The mountains of Otago and Southland, from the Rock and Pillar Range in the northeast to near Green Lake in the southwest, including the Lammermoor Range, Lammerlaw Range, Mt Benger, Old Man Range, Garvie Mountains and Eyre Mountains in New Zealand’s South Island.

Height: 80cm

Flowering: 

(December-) January- March with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

February (-July-December)

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or semi hard wood cuttings.

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