Botanical name:

Hebe venustula

Common name(s): 

Hebe

About:

This hebe species develops into a round, compact bush that can reach heights of up to 1 m. It is naturally found extending from Mt Hikurangi to the mountainous areas of the central North Island. The plant features oval-shaped leaves that display a vibrant bright green colour on the upper side, while the undersides are noticeably paler. During the summer months, it produces clusters of beautiful white to pale mauve flowers. This hebe performs exceptionally well in colder regions and is also capable of tolerating dry conditions effectively.

Natural habitat:

It occurs chiefly in subalpine shrub-land/penalpine grassland, but apparently occurs at lower altitudes in the eastern Wairarapa.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Mountains of New Zealand’s North Island, including the Raukumara Range, volcanoes of central North Island, Mount Taranaki, and the Pouakai, Kaimanawa, Kaweka, Ruahine and Aorangi ranges.

Height: 1m

Flowering:
(December-) January-February (-March) with a white coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

February-April

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, semi hardwood cuttings & layering.

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