Hebe

Hebe Overview

Hebe is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees that are native to New Zealand and other regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Fully to half-hardy, they are suitable for a wide range of garden situations from shrub borders to rock gardens. In mild areas, they are used for hedging and ground cover too. Some species are also suitable for container planting and, they will tolerate some pollution. Hebes have pairs of small, neat leaves and spikes of small tubular- or salver-shaped flowers - usually on spikes or panicles - that can be all shades of purple and blue, pink or white. They have been extensively cultivated and there are many varieties and hybrids available, often with colourful variegated foliage. Hebes prefer a slightly alkaline, and not too fertile, well-drained soil but they do need to be watered in the growing season if it's very dry. They are happy in full sun or partial shade and like to be sheltered from cold, dry winds. In general however, they are a tolerant group of plants and have become very popular with gardeners worldwide. There are many cultivars available. Hebe is the largest plant genus in New Zealand, where there are thought to be around 13 species, although some estimates are much higher.