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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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different types of hebes

If you’re searching for resilient, stylish shrubs to brighten up your garden all year round, exploring the different types of hebes is a great place to start. Native to New Zealand, hebes are beloved for their vibrant foliage, attractive flower spikes, and ability to thrive in various conditions. Whether you’re aiming for colour, texture, or reliable structure in your outdoor space, hebes offer versatile options for every garden design.

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' shrub covered in pretty, red flowers.

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' is a striking bottlebrush variety known for its vivid crimson red flower spikes and lush evergreen foliage. Flowering from late spring into summer, it brings bold colour and attracts bees and birds into New Zealand gardens.

Buy Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern

Callistemon 'Little John'

Callistemon 'Little John' is a compact dwarf bottlebrush celebrated for its deep red flowers and fine blue green foliage. Flowering from spring into summer, it attracts bees and birds while maintaining a neat rounded shape all year.

Buy Callistemon 'Little John'

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

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

Why Choose Hebes for Your Garden?

Hebes are an ideal choice for New Zealand gardens thanks to their hardy nature and year-round interest. These evergreens deliver showy blooms in shades of purple, blue, white, and pink, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Most hebes are compact, making them perfect for borders, hedges, containers, and low-maintenance landscaping.

Popular Hebe Varieties in New Zealand

When it comes to different types of hebes, gardeners have a vibrant palette to work with. Here are some well-loved varieties worth considering:

Hebe Wiri Mist

A compact, reliable shrub, Hebe Wiri Mist produces delicate white flower spikes and lush green leaves. It’s an excellent choice for borders and pairs beautifully with hydrangeas like Hydrangea Kyushu for a harmonious garden display.

Hebe Red Edge

With striking red-edged leaves and purple flowers, the Hebe Red Edge adds colour throughout the year. Its compact size makes it suitable for pots or the front of garden beds. For a playful contrast, try planting alongside the creamy blooms of Hydrangea Limelight.

Hebe Emerald Green

This tidy shrub forms a neat mound of dense, bright green foliage. Hebe Emerald Green is perfect for formal hedging or clipped shapes—try it instead of traditional box hedging for a New Zealand twist.

Hebe Autumn Glory

Renowned for vivid violet flowers and glossed leaves, Hebe Autumn Glory offers late-season colour and is a magnet for pollinators. Plant with Hydrangea Ayesha for a garden that bursts with blooms from summer into autumn.

Hebe Great Orme

A larger hebe, this type can reach up to 1.5 metres and features lavender-blue flowers in summer. It’s particularly useful as an informal hedge or mixed with the stunning white plumes of Hydrangea paniculata Levana.

Growing and Caring for Hebes

Most hebes thrive in full sun to partial shade and appreciate well-drained soil. They’re drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance—simply give them a light trim after flowering to keep them compact and healthy. Keep an eye out for weeds around your plants, and if needed, carefully use a selective herbicide like Victory Gold - 1 Litre to keep your garden beds tidy.

Discover Your Favourite Types of Hebes

With so many different types of hebes to choose from, there’s something for every gardener and landscape style. Whether you’re after a bold focal point or subtle structure, hebes deliver year-round beauty in a uniquely Kiwi way. Pair them with complementary shrubs like Hydrangea Kyushu or Hydrangea Limelight to create layers of colour and texture in your garden. Happy planting!

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.

different types of hebes

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Little John'

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Why Choose Hebes for Your Garden?