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best hebe varieties

Choosing the best hebe varieties for your New Zealand garden means diving into a world of colours, textures, and year-round interest. Hebes are beloved for their beautiful foliage, vibrant blooms, and hardy nature—making them perfect for borders, hedges, pots, or feature plantings. Whether you’re looking for compact ground covers or striking shrubs, there’s a hebe for every garden style. Below, we introduce some of the best hebe varieties suited to Kiwi conditions, spotlighting several exceptional cultivars that offer both beauty and performance.

Hebe buxifolia (Boxleaf Hebe)

Hebe buxifolia is a NZ native shrub with glossy leaves that are green with yellow edges. These are adorned by masses of fragrant and showy, white flowers from spring through autumn as it grows to 1 m tall and 1.2 m wide.

Buy Hebe buxifolia (Boxleaf Hebe)

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.20 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Hebe 'Snowdrift'

Hebe 'Snowdrift' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of crisp white flower spikes that brighten the garden through the flowering season. Its naturally tidy habit and hardy nature make it an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens.

Buy Hebe 'Snowdrift'

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock, White

Why Choose Hebes?

Hebes are versatile, low-maintenance shrubs native to New Zealand. They thrive in a range of environments, from coastal plots to urban courtyards, and most varieties are tolerant of wind and salt, making them ideal for exposed spots. With evergreen leaves and extended flowering seasons, hebes deliver reliable colour even through winter. Their nectar-rich flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and native birds, supporting local biodiversity.

Best Hebe Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

If you’re searching for the best hebe varieties to enhance your landscape, consider these standout cultivars—each with their unique charm and strengths:

Hebe Black Satin

With dramatic dark foliage and compact growth, Hebe Black Satin brings an elegant accent to garden beds and containers. Its glossy, nearly black leaves contrast beautifully with clusters of lavender-white flowers. This tough shrub tolerates poor soils and drought, making it an excellent low-maintenance option.

Hebe Catherine

Known for its vibrant purple blooms and lush, green foliage, Hebe Catherine is a popular choice among gardeners wanting a splash of colour. This variety flowers prolifically from spring to autumn, attracting pollinators and providing visual appeal over several months. Its compact size suits both borders and pots.

Hebe Sunstreak

If you love variegated foliage, Hebe Sunstreak is a must-have. Its leaves feature cream and green tones, highlighted by blush-pink edges. The soft, purple-pink flower spikes add further dimension, making Sunstreak a dynamic addition to mixed plantings. This hebe is hardy and thrives in coastal locations.

Hebe Orphan Annie

Offering a unique combination of green and red foliage, Hebe Orphan Annie brings incredible colour contrast to gardens. Flowering in summer with bold purple spikes, this cultivar stands out in both flower and leaf. Its upright habit is perfect for formal plantings or as a feature shrub.

Hebe Caledonia

For vibrant magenta flowers and deep green leaves, Hebe Caledonia is a top pick. This variety blooms heavily in warmer months and remains compact, making it ideal for borders or low hedges. Its flowers are a favourite with bees and other pollinators.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the best from your chosen hebe varieties, plant in well-drained soil and ensure full sun to light shade. Hebes benefit from annual pruning to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape. Water regularly after planting, but mature plants require minimal attention. With their toughness and reliability, hebes are an excellent investment for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Discover More Hebe Varieties at Our Nursery

Explore our extensive range of hebes and find the perfect match for your garden. Whether you prefer dramatic foliage, vibrant blooms, or hardy growth, the best hebe varieties are waiting for you. For further inspiration, view Hebe Black Satin, Hebe Catherine, Hebe Sunstreak, Hebe Orphan Annie, and Hebe Caledonia and start creating your dream garden today.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

best hebe varieties

Hebe buxifolia (Boxleaf Hebe)

Hebe 'Snowdrift'

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Why Choose Hebes?