Botanical name:

Hebe vernicosa

Common name(s): 

Hebe

About:

This particular species forms an attractive rounded shrub that typically grows to a height of around 75-90 cm, exhibiting an appealing open habit. Its small oval leaves are a glossy green colour and are carried on one plane along the branches, which tend to be almost horizontal. In the spring and summer seasons, short spikes of closely packed flowers, which can range in color from white to a soft lavender, are borne near the tips of the branches, adding to the plant's overall charm. This species is commonly found in the forested areas of the Nelson-Marlborough region and has proven to thrive in a variety of reasonable garden conditions, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.

Natural habitat:

Grows in beech forest at a range of altitudes, often at or near the tree-line.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Northern South Island. from Gouland Downs in the northwest to the St James Range in the south, and as far east as the Robertson Range, near Picton.

Height: 90cm

Flowering:
(October-) November-January with a white/lavender coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

(December-) February-May (-September)

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.