Hebe Plants For Sale

Hebe speciosa, Hebe Albicans, and Hebe Salicifolia – Best In NZ!

Growing colourful, NZ-native Hebes in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• They can provide shelter and screening.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Hebe plants, including Hebe speciosa, albicans, salicifolia, and Red Edge, as well as Hebes for hedging. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Hebe plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Hebe Questions

1. What is the lifespan of a Hebe plant?

The lifespan of a Hebe plant varies depending on the species and variety, but most live for 5-10 years. They can live longer, up to 20 years or more, with proper care.

2. Where is the best place to plant Hebes?

The best place to plant hebes is in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They can tolerate some shade, but they will flower best in full sun. Hebes are also tolerant of poor soil and drought, but they will grow best in fertile, moist soil.

3. Where are Hebes best used?

Here are some specific ideas for where to use Hebes in your garden:

• Borders: Hebes can be used to add height, colour, and texture to borders. They can be planted at the back of the border for a dramatic effect, or in the middle or front of the border for a more subtle look.
• Containers: Hebes are also well-suited for growing in containers. This makes them a good option for patios, balconies, and other small spaces.
• Rock gardens: Hebes can be planted in rock gardens to add colour and interest. They are also good for attracting bees and butterflies.
• Coastal gardens: Hebes are tolerant of salt spray, so they are a good option for planting in coastal gardens.
• Hebes in coastal gardens
• Hedging: Hebes can be used to create hedges of different heights and shapes.

4. What is the Maori name for Hebe?

The Māori name for Hebe is kōkōmuka. It is a common name for several species of Hebe, including Hebe salicifolia, Hebe stricta, and Hebe elliptica. Māori used the plants medicine, food, and dye. The leaves and bark of kōkōmuka were used to make a medicinal tea that was used to treat diarrhoea, stomach aches, and other ailments. The leaves were also used to make a food dye that was used to colour food and clothing.

Here are some other Māori names for Hebe species:

• Napuka/Titirangi (Hebe speciosa)
• Wharangi (Hebe petriei)
• Koromiko (Hebe stricta, Hebe salicifolia, and other Hebe species)
• Kōkōmuka (Hebe salicifolia, Hebe stricta, and other Hebe species)
• Kōkoromuka (Hebe elliptica)
• Kōkoromiko (Hebe elliptica)

5. Do Hebes lose their leaves in winter?

Hebes are evergreen plants, so they do not typically lose their leaves in winter. However, they may experience some leaf drop in cold climates or during periods of drought. Additionally, young plants may be more susceptible to leaf drop in winter than mature plants.

6. How do I stop my Hebes from going woody?

One of the best things you can do to prevent your Hebes from going woody is to prune them regularly. This will encourage new growth from the base of the plant and help to keep it looking bushy and compact.

Prune your Hebe in the spring, after they have finished flowering. Remove any dead or dying wood, as well as any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should aim to cut back the overall size of the plant by up to a third.

7. Why is my Hebe dying?

There are a number of reasons why your hebe may be dying. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Overwatering: Hebes do not like to sit in wet soil, so overwatering is a common cause of death. If you water your hebe too often, the roots will start to rot and the plant will eventually die.
• Underwatering: Hebes also do not like to dry out completely, so underwatering can also be a problem. If you do not water your plant enough, the leaves will start to turn brown and autumn off, and the plant will eventually die. Make sure to water your Hebe well once a week, or more often if the weather is hot or windy.
• Incorrect soil: Hebes prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. If your Hebe is planted in heavy, clay soil, or if the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it may not be getting the nutrients it needs to survive. To improve the drainage of your soil, you can add sand or compost. To adjust the pH of your soil, you can use lime or acidic fertiliser.
• Pests and diseases: Hebes can be susceptible to scale insect, aphids, and mealybugs. If your hebe is infested with pests, it may start to decline and eventually die.
• Extreme weather: Hebes are generally hardy plants, but they can be damaged by extreme weather conditions, such as frost, drought, or heat waves. If your Hebe is exposed to extreme weather, it may start to decline and eventually die.

8. Are all Hebes native to New Zealand?

Not all Hebes are native to New Zealand. While New Zealand is home to the largest genus of Hebes, with over 90 species found there, some Hebes are also found in other parts of the world, including Australia, South America, and the Falkland Islands.

Here is a breakdown of the distribution of Hebes species by region:

• New Zealand: Over 90 species of Hebes are found in New Zealand, making it the genus's most diverse region. These species are found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, alpine areas, and coastal environments.
• Australia: Two species of Hebes are found in Australia: Hebe salicifolia and Hebe elliptica. These species are found in southeastern Australia, in Victoria and Tasmania.
• South America: Two species of Hebes are found in South America: Hebe salicifolia and Hebe elliptica. These species are found in the southern part of South America, in Chile and Argentina.
• Falkland Islands: One species of Hebe is found in the Falkland Islands: Hebe salicifolia. This species is found throughout the Falkland Islands, in both coastal and inland areas.

It is important to note that the distribution of Hebes species is still being studied, and new discoveries may be made in the future. However, it is clear that New Zealand is the genus's center of diversity, with the vast majority of species found there.

9. Do you need to prune a Hebe?

Whether or not you need to prune a Hebe depends on a few factors, such as its variety, age, and overall health. Generally, Hebes don't require heavy pruning, but they can benefit from a light trim every year or two. This will help maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote blooming. Here's a quick guide:

• Light pruning:
  • Time: After flowering (usually late summer or early autumn)
  • What to do: Remove spent flower heads and trim back up to a third of the foliage. Make cuts just above a leaf node or bud.
  • Benefits: Promotes bushier growth, keeps the plant looking neat, and encourages more flowers next season.
• Hard pruning:
  • Time: Early spring before new growth appears
  • What to do: Cut back the entire plant by half or even two-thirds. Make cuts at ground level or just above a healthy bud.
  • Benefits: Can rejuvenate an old or overgrown Hebe, encourage new growth from the base, and create a specific shape.

10. How do I stop my hebe from getting leggy?

There are a few ways to stop your Hebe from getting leggy:

• Pruning is the most common and effective method. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents stems from stretching out.
• Gently pinch off the growing tips of new shoots throughout the growing season. This will encourage side branching and a more compact plant.
• Hebes need full sun to grow bushiest. If your Hebe is getting too much shade, it will stretch its stems towards the light, making it appear leggy. Move it to a sunnier spot or thin out surrounding plants to increase light exposure.
• Too much fertilizer can encourage rapid growth and leggy stems. Stick to a balanced fertilizer and only apply it according to the package instructions.
• Some Hebe varieties are naturally more compact than others. If you're struggling with leggy growth, you might want to consider planting a variety known for its bushy habit.

11. Why isn't my hebe flowering?

There can be several reasons why your Hebe isn't flowering, from improper sunlight and pruning to nutrient deficiencies and even the specific variety you have. Some possible causes include:

Light:

• Not enough sun: Hebes need full sun (at least 6 hours a day) to flower well. If yours is in shade, it might prioritize foliage growth over flowers. Try moving it to a sunnier spot.
• Too much shade: Conversely, extreme shade can also inhibit flowering.

Pruning:

• Pruning at the wrong time: Pruning during the wrong season, especially before it's supposed to flower, can remove flower buds. For most Hebes, late summer or early fall after flowering is the ideal time for light pruning.
• Overenthusiastic pruning: Heavy pruning can delay flowering as the plant focuses on recovering.

Nutrients:

• Lack of phosphorus: Phosphorus is crucial for flower formation. If your soil is deficient in phosphorus, your Hebe might not bloom. Use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content or amend the soil with bone meal.
• Too much nitrogen: Excess nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Stick to a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for flowering plants.

Other factors:

• Age: Young Hebes may take a few years to mature and start flowering. If yours is newly planted, be patient.
• Variety: Some Hebe varieties naturally flower less than others. Research your specific variety to find out its blooming habits.
• Stress: Factors like drought, pests, or diseases can stress your Hebe and negatively impact flowering. Address any underlying issues to help it thrive.

12. Where can I get good advice on Hebe care?

The Plant Company has produced a suite of short articles that cover everything you could want to know about Hebe care and everything you would want to know about growing Hebes. They are well worth the read!

https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/expert-advice/hebes

13. Where can I get good advice on trimming a Hebe?

The Plant Company has produced a suite of short articles that cover everything you could want to know about Hebe hedges and trimming individual plants. How far apart to plant them, how to trim them, and more is covered and they are well worth the read!

https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/expert-advice/hebes/trim-hebe-hedge