Botanical name:

Hebe punicea (Hebe brevifolia)

Common name(s):

Hebe

About:

This hebe is found exclusively in the North Cape region and has recently been granted full species status. It typically forms a trunk that can reach heights of 50 cm to 1 m, proudly displaying long, narrow dark green leaves. The impressive large racemes of striking reddish-purple flowers are carried for extended periods, blooming from midsummer all the way through to winter. It is important to note that this plant can be frost tender, requiring some protection in colder climates.

Natural habitat:

Confined to serpentinite (ultramafic) rocks and associated soils of the Surville Cliffs and adjacent plateau, at North Cape. Here it grows in low windshorn scrub, on open clay pans, on boulder fall, adjacent semi-stable scree and along cliff faces.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island, North Cape area only where it is confined to the 120 ha exposure of serpentinite rocks at the Surville Cliffs.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

April - October (but sporadic flowering common all year round) with a Red/Pink, Violet/Purple coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

July- January but fruits may be present throughout the year.

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easy from semi-hardwood cuttings or layering. Prefers full sun in a well drained soil. Does best when frequently enriched with serpentinite or high magnesium fertiliser.

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