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hebe arborea

Hebe arborea is a striking, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, prized for its lush, architectural foliage and delicate flower spikes. Perfect for coastal gardens and wind-exposed sites, this handsome species thrives in a range of conditions, adding texture and year-round interest to every landscape. Whether you're developing a native planting scheme or seeking structural shrubs for mixed borders, hebe arborea offers exceptional resilience and beauty. Explore why this sought-after native deserves a special place in your garden, and discover how it compares to popular varieties like [Hebe Inspiration](/shop/product/shrubs/hebe-inspiration), [Hebe Black Satin](/shop/product/shrubs/hebe-black-satin), and [Hebe First Light](/shop/product/shrubs/hebe-first-light).

Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen tree produces glossy green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring, followed by orange fruit that attract kererū and other native birds. It is an important species for biodiversity and a striking addition to native gardens and restoration projects.

From $494.05

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
hebe-first-light-2

Hebe 'First Light'

5 from 1 customers

Hebe 'First Light' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its colourful variegated foliage and vibrant flower spikes. The combination of green, cream, and pink tones creates year round interest in New Zealand gardens. Flowering through summer, it adds further colour and appeal. Hebe 'First Light' is ideal for borders, containers, and low maintenance landscapes.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock
Hebe Wiri Mist shrub with elegant, white flowers.
Hebe 'Wiri Mist'

Hebe 'Wiri Mist' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its fine green foliage and masses of soft white flowers that appear from late spring through...

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Hebe 'Red Edge'

Hebe 'Red Edge' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its distinctive foliage with red tinged edges that intensify in cooler weather, adding year...

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Hebe 'Marie Antoinette'

Hebe 'Marie Antoinette' is an attractive evergreen shrub featuring lush green foliage and soft pink flower spikes that bring elegant colour to NZ...

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Hebe Bel Air

Hebe Bel Air is a NZ native shrub that features impressive, lilac-pink flower spikes through summer. These are borne above the lush and glossy, green...

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Hebe Waireka

Hebe Waireka features lush and glossy foliage that is variegated with a dark green centre and a cream edge. The foliage is adorned from spring until...

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Hebe Wiri Image

Hebe Wiri Image features lush and glossy, dark green leaves held on solid, upright stems. Through summer and intermittently through the year it...

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Hebe Orphan Annie

Hebe Orphan Annie is grown for its variegated foliage and prolific flowering through summer and autumn. Short flower spikes carrying purple flowers...

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Hebe 'Marilyn Monroe'

Hebe 'Marilyn Monroe' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its attractive foliage and prolific display of soft pink flowers. Blooming over an...

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Hebe 'Black Satin' plant with dark foliage and pink flowers.
Hebe Black Satin

Hebe Black Satin is a popular variety of Hebe due to both its colourful foliage and flowers. It grows as a rounded shrub carrying glossy, dark purple...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hebe speciosa 'Magenta'

Hebe speciosa 'Magenta' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant magenta flowers and lush green foliage. The colourful blooms are...

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Hebe 'Karo Golden Esk'

Hebe 'Karo Golden Esk' is a vibrant evergreen shrub featuring golden tinged foliage and soft mauve flower spikes that bring colour and contrast to NZ...

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Hebe Quicksilver

Hebe Quicksilver grows as a rounded shrub carrying fine, blue-silver foliage, held on near black stems. The foliage is complemented with purple...

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Hebe gracillima plant with white flowers.
Hebe gracillima

Hebe gracillima is an evergreen shrub that grows to approximately 1.2 m in height and 1.5 m in width. The foliage comprises narrow, spear-shaped...

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Hebe annulata (Veronica annulata)

Hebe annulata is a lovely, evergreen shrub that features tiny, yellow-green leaves. These are held densely on short branches that spread like a fan...

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Hebe stenophylla plant.
Hebe stenophylla (Narrow-Leaved Hebe)

Hebe stenophylla is an evergreen, bushy shrub that grows to about 1 m high and 1.5 m wide. The light green, somewhat drooping leaves are narrow and...

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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...

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Hebe 'Sunstreak' plant with variegated foliage.
Hebe Sunstreak

Hebe Sunstreak is a fast growing, NZ native shrub that features variegated foliage and pretty flowers. It grows with a dense and busy habit producing...

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Hebe 'Autumn Glory' with dark green foliage and purple flowers.
Hebe 'Autumn Glory'

Hebe 'Autumn Glory' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage and colourful flower spikes that appear through late summer and...

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Hebe townsonii (Veronica townsonii)

Hebe Townsonii is a NZ native shrub that grows with a bushy and rounded habit to about 1 m tall and the same wide bearing lush, bright green leaves...

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Hebe Flame with pink flowers and lush foliage.
Hebe 'Flame'

Hebe 'Flame' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant foliage tones and colourful flower spikes. The rich hues add year round interest...

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Hebe 'Ohau' with purple flowers and green foliage.
Hebe 'Ohau'

Hebe 'Ohau' is a compact and hardy evergreen shrub featuring lush green foliage and soft mauve to pale purple flower spikes that brighten NZ gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe 'Eveline' with dark pink flowers and lush green foliage.
Hebe 'Eveline'

Hebe 'Eveline' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its attractive green foliage and abundant flower spikes that provide colour through the...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hebe Elizabeth

Hebe Elizabeth is an exquisite variety that features masses of showy, bright pink flower spikes during summer and autumn. These are complemented with...

OUT OF STOCK
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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...

OUT OF STOCK
hebe-george-1
Hebe George

Hebe George is a spreading, NZ native shrub that features impressive, purple-blue flower spikes through summer. These are borne above the lush and...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe brachyphylla stem with green leaves edged with red and white flowers.
Hebe macrantha

Hebe macrantha is a hardy New Zealand native evergreen shrub admired for its lush green foliage and large white to pale lilac flowers that appear...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe 'White Gem' plant with white flowers and lush green foliage.
Hebe White Gem (Hebe brachysiphon White Gem)

Hebe White Gem is a shrub with leaves that are small and green with a pale edge, and packed densely on short, slender stems. The foliage is adorned...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hebe Louis

Hebe Louis is grown for its lovely flowers, foliage, and ground covering growth habit. The foliage comprises small and glossy green leaves, which are...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe elliptica plant with dense green foliage and white flowers.
Hebe elliptica (Shore Hebe)

Hebe elliptica is a hardy evergreen New Zealand native shrub admired for its glossy dark green foliage and abundant white to pale lilac flowers that...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hebe Jewel Of The Nile

Hebe Jewel Of The Nile features showy, purple flower clusters from summer through autumn. These are held above the colourful foliage which emerges...

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Hedycarya arborea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hebe, and Hedycarya, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search hebe arborea

Features of Hebe arborea

Hebe arborea stands out with its graceful, upright form that can reach up to 2 metres in height. The elongated, leathery green leaves create a softly rounded shape, giving the plant a lush, full appearance. In late spring through summer, hebe arborea blooms with clusters of small, white-to-lilac flowers, attracting native bees and butterflies to your garden. As with many New Zealand hebes, this plant is adaptable, salt-tolerant, and well-suited to coastal or windy locations.

If you’re interested in diversifying your garden with other native species, you might appreciate the stately Hedycarya arborea—a unique tree option for larger spaces.

Planting and Care Tips

Hebe arborea thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts readily to a range of soils, provided there’s good drainage. It is perfect for exposed positions and coastal gardens, where its robust nature shines. Mulch annually with organic matter and prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness and maintain its shape. This species copes well with dry periods once established and is generally low-maintenance, requiring only occasional feeding.

Using Hebe arborea in Your Garden

A versatile landscaping staple, hebe arborea’s bold form makes it ideal for windbreaks, hedges, or as a specimen shrub. Combine with smaller hebes such as Hebe ‘Wiri Mist’ for a layered, year-round effect, or intermingle with grasses and other natives for a resilient, wildlife-friendly border. Its dense growth provides shelter for birds, while its showy flowers liven up the garden throughout the warmer months.

Related Hebe Varieties

If you enjoy hebe arborea, you’ll love browsing our collection of other distinctive hebes. The vivid purple blooms of Hebe Inspiration add vibrant colour to compact spaces, while Hebe Black Satin lends dramatic foliage contrast. For subtle beauty, Hebe First Light offers delicate variegation and dainty flowers, and Hebe ‘Wiri Mist’ is renowned for its profuse white flowering.

Why Choose Hebe arborea?

With its combination of good looks, hardiness, and low maintenance needs, hebe arborea is a top pick for New Zealand gardens. Whether planted alone as a focal point or alongside other natives, it brings enduring structure, seasonal interest, and vital habitat for wildlife. Add hebe arborea to your planting palette today and enjoy the rewards of this resilient and beautiful evergreen.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Celebrate your favourites like Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops, then branch out with Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot', Coprosma 'Red Rocks', and Lavender 'Major'.
–The Plant Company

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