Gardening with Hebe Shrubs

Looking for an interesting evergreen shrub for the landscape? Perhaps the Hebe will meet your needs. Named after the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe plants contain about ninety or more species. The majority of these shrubs are native to New Zealand, but some species extend throughout parts of South America as well. While it shouldn't be too difficult to find a type that suits your particular needs, you may find it somewhat confusing when it comes to locating a suitable genus name. This is because of the fact that many botanists and growers alike tend to include the Hebe shrubs alongside other similar genus groups, such as Veronica.

Hebe shrubs can range in size from small bushes (about 3 feet tall and wide) to larger tree-like varieties (up to 6 feet tall). In addition to their growth habit, leaf size and foliage color also varies among the species, with both large and small-leafed types available. While they are evergreen in nature, Hebe foliage can also include gray, burgundy, bronze, or variegated varieties, which also provide year-round interest. Most Hebe species flower throughout summer and fall. Some species may even offer blooms in winter. As with the foliage, the spiked flowers come in a wide range of colors-from white, pink, and crimson to blue, lilac, and purple.

Growing Hebes is easy. They make excellent additions to the landscape, serving as edging, placed in borders, or grown in mass plantings. Hebe shrubs also look nice when grown in rock gardens or similar settings. They're great for attracting butterflies to the area too. Even better is the fact that these plants can be easily grown in containers, making them even more versatile. Hebe shrubs adapt to a variety of soil types but prefer something that is loose and well draining. While Hebes thrive in both sun and shade, full sun is preferable. Plants grown in shade may become leggy and do not flower as profusely.

These shrubs are usually fertilized in spring just prior to the formation of new growth. If desired, they can be pruned back about halfway to promote bushier growth. Deadheading the spent blooms helps to promote additional flowering while keeping the shrub looking its best. Although most species are fairly hardy, they should be protected from wintry conditions by surrounding them with straw mulch. These shrubs can be propagated easily as well through both seeds and cuttings. However, semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer is the most commonly used method.

Resources: Personal experience
Gardening with Hebes by Chris & Valerie Wheeler