Easy‑care Hebe plants come in two main types, defined primarily by their foliage. Some have lance‑shaped leaves that vary in length, while others feature tiny, flattened, scale‑like leaves known as Whipcord Hebes. A popular example of this type is Hebe ‘Emerald Green’.
This range of foliage forms makes Hebes a favourite among landscapers, offering both colour and texture in garden designs. While the striking flowers are the main appeal for many gardeners, the foliage type also influences how each Hebe variety should be pruned.
It is the flowers that are the main attraction to most gardeners, however the choice of foliage type can determine how you prune this group of very useful plants from New Zealand.
Hebe Plants – Varieties
Hebe species vary greatly in growth habit and form.
- Some stay compact and low, reaching less than 20 cm in height.
- Many grow as small shrubs around 1 m tall.
- A few can exceed 2 m, creating dense, bushy features in the garden.
- Flower colours range from white and soft pinks through to reds, mauves, and blues. Foliage hues also vary—from deep emerald greens to red‑tinged tones, with several attractive variegated varieties available.
Hebe Species Include
Whipcord Hebes
These feature slender, interlaced, scale‑like leaves that give them a fine, textured appearance.
Examples include:
- Hebe albicans
- Hebe ochracea
- Hebe odora
Shrubby Hebes
Recognised by their broader leaves and bushier growth habit.
Examples include:
- Hebe buxifolia
- Hebe diosmifolia
- Hebe elliptica
- Hebe rakaiensis
- Hebe salicifolia
- Hebe speciosa
Whipcord Hebes
These have slender, interlaced, scale-like leaves.
- Hebe albicans
- Hebe ochracea
- Hebe odora
Shrubby Hebes
Broader leaves; form typical bushy shrubs.
- Hebe buxifolia
- Hebe diosmifolia
- Hebe elliptica
- Hebe rakaiensis
- Hebe salicifolia
- Hebe speciosa
How To Grow Hebe Plants
Although Hebes are generally low‑maintenance, they’ll perform best with a little care and attention to soil and pruning.
Different species thrive under slightly different conditions:
- Shrubby Hebes (e.g., H. speciosa) prefer warmer climates and richer soil.
- Whipcord Hebes (e.g., H. cupressoides) tolerate poorer soils, wind, and cold better.
General Care
- Soil – Plant Hebes in well-drained humus rich soil.
- Position – Full sun to some light shade. Most species do nor per form well in deep shade.
- Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly; they dislike waterlogging.
- Fertiliser – A yearly application of a general purpose slow release type fertiliser in winter is usually adequate.
- Pruning – Best tip pruned regularly to maintain a bushy compact habit. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- Protect tender varieties from frost.
Best Hebe Varieties for Small Gardens
- Emerald Green: A very compact, dome-shaped shrub with fine, polished green foliage (approx. 25cm high/wide), non flowering variety often used for hedging.
- Pretty in Pink: Dense foliage in this hybrid, bright pink flowers, reaching around 30cm in height and 90cm in width.
- Patty’s Purple: A popular H. Buxifolia dwarf variety with vibrant lilac-purple blooms.
- Inspiration: Hebe speciosa diosmifolia Inspiration is small shrub with glossy green leaves and purple-blue flowers, blooming from spring to autumn.
- Annies Winter Wonder: Cream and green foliage with purple tips, growing to 75cm with pink flowers, good disease resistance is good.
- Wiri Cloud: A hybrid that has pale pink flower spikes that fade to white.
- Buxifolia: The Boxleaf Hebe compact, hardy choice with glossy green foliage.
- Heebie Jeebie: Another hybrid with good disease resistance, grown for its purple-blue flowers and shiny, attractive leaves.
Tips for Growing Hebe in Small Spaces
- Containers: Hebes thrive in pots, making them ideal for balconies or small urban terraces.Choosing a container at least 30cm wide/deep with good drainage holes.
- Position: They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot.
- Maintenance: They are generally low-maintenance, requiring little pruning
Where To Buy
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
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www.gardenexpress.com.au
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
