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hebe ground cover nz

Looking for a hardy, attractive solution for low-maintenance gardens? Explore the beauty and practicality of hebe ground cover NZ gardeners love. Hebes, native to New Zealand, are treasured for their evergreen foliage, year-round colour, and outstanding tolerance to coastal and windy conditions. Many dwarf and ground-hugging hebe varieties are perfect for filling garden borders, covering banks, or brightening up rock gardens with minimal fuss.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

5 from 3 customers

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green leaves that create dense coverage. Growing up to 4 m wide and 2 m high, it’s perfect for fences, banks, or walls. Pohuehue tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Topiary, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Hebe 'Lollipop' purple-black foliage and pink flowers.

Hebe 'Lollipop'

Hebe 'Lollipop' is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its dense, rounded form and prolific display of lilac to pink flowers. Native to New Zealand, this hardy variety is perfect for adding year round colour and structure to gardens. Its glossy green foliage and vibrant blooms attract pollinators, making it both ornamental and beneficial.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
hebe-margret-1
Hebe 'Margret'

Hebe 'Margret' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its glossy foliage and soft pink to lilac flower spikes that bring gentle colour to NZ gardens...

From$20.63
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.01
hebe-black-panther-1
Hebe 'Black Panther'

Hebe 'Black Panther' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its dark purple foliage that provides outstanding year round colour and contrast...

From$22.01
hebe-champion-1
Hebe 'Champion'

Hebe 'Champion' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense green foliage and abundant spikes of attractive flowers that brighten the garden...

From$22.01
Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.
Hedera canariensis Variegata

Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This...

From$14.95
hebe-buxifolia-
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...

From$22.01
hebe-waireka--2
Hebe 'Waireka'

Hebe 'Waireka' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its attractive green foliage and masses of soft lilac to white flower spikes through the...

From$22.01
hebe-wiri-image-
Hebe 'Wiri Image'

Hebe 'Wiri Image' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy green foliage and masses of attractive mauve to violet flower spikes that...

From$22.01
Hebe 'Wiri Prince' plant with lush green foliage and elegant purple flowers.
Hebe Wiri Prince

Hebe 'Wiri Prince' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its tidy growth habit, attractive foliage, and masses of colourful flowers. Flowering over...

From$22.01
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$16.95
hebe-snowdrift-1
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...

From$22.01
Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.
Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth...

From$17.95
Hebe Lavender Lace stem with elegant, pink flowers.
Hebe 'Lavender Lace'

Hebe 'Lavender Lace' is an elegant evergreen shrub featuring fine textured foliage and soft lavender flower spikes that bring gentle colour to NZ...

From$22.01
hebe-bel-air-
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...

From$22.01
Hebe odora green foliage and elegant, white flowers.
Hebe odora

Hebe odora is a NZ native shrub grown for both its foliage and flowers. The foliage comprises glossy leaves which are green with yellow edges and...

From$22.01
Hebe albicans grey foliage with elegant, white flowers.
Hebe albicans

Hebe albicans is a NZ native shrub that features showy clusters of small white flowers during summer. The foliage comprises short and thick...

From$22.01
hebe-wairua-beauty-
Hebe 'Wairua Beauty'

Hebe 'Wairua Beauty' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its lush green foliage and masses of attractive lilac to mauve flower spikes through...

From$22.01
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’ is a refined evergreen ivy featuring small, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate, pointed shape. This compact and elegant...

From$14.95
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$11.95
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$9.95
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.63
Isotoma fluviatilis plants grow as a ground cover, featuring lush, green foliage and attractive, blue flowers.
Isotoma fluviatilis

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

From$13.95
Chamaemelum nobile plants with white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Chamaemelum nobile (Lawn Chamomile, Roman Chamomile) is a low growing evergreen herb valued for its fragrant feathery foliage, delicate daisy like...

From$15.95
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
Carex flagellifera Green

Carex flagellifera Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to...

From$12.95
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hebe, Hedera, and Muehlenbeckia, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search hebe ground cover nz

Why Choose Hebe Ground Cover in NZ Gardens?

Hebe ground covers have become a staple among New Zealand gardeners for good reason. With compact, bushy growth habits, these plants excel at suppressing weeds, stabilising soil, and adding vibrant foliage and flower colour to any landscape. Their versatility makes them ideal for sunny borders, edging pathways, or even mass planting for a cohesive look. In addition, their drought-tolerance and resistance to salt spray make them a top choice for coastal locations.

Top Hebe Ground Cover Varieties

New Zealand nurseries offer a fantastic range of hebe species and cultivars suited for ground cover. Some favourites include:

Hebe Inspiration – Renowned for its lush green foliage and long-lasting magenta flower spikes, this variety is a striking choice as a low hedge or sprawling ground cover. Hebe diosmifolia (Veronica diosmifolia) – A versatile selection with dense foliage and delicate lavender flowers, perfect for filling gaps or tumbling over retaining walls. Hebe Margret – This compact shrub offers pretty white-purple flowers and neat growth, ideal for mass planting as a weed-suppressing carpet. Hebe Wairua Beauty – A lower growing type cherished for its glossy foliage and bright purple blooms, creating a colourful accent in any garden bed.

If you’re interested in exploring other native ground covers, Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) is an excellent native alternative for harsh coastal conditions.

How to Plant and Care for Hebe Ground Cover

For best results, select a sunny to partly shaded site with well-drained soil. Dig in organic matter, plant your hebes at the recommended spacing (typically 60–90cm apart for ground covers), and mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Once established, hebe ground cover needs minimal maintenance. Light pruning after flowering encourages dense growth and tidiness. Hebes rarely suffer from pests or diseases, making them a trouble-free choice for NZ gardens.

Design Ideas with Hebe Ground Cover NZ

Mix and match multiple varieties of hebe ground cover for striking foliage contrasts and a succession of flower colour throughout the year. Use along driveways, in native plantings, or let them cascade over walls for a soft, natural look. They also combine beautifully with companion natives like Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) for a resilient, wildlife-friendly display.

Create a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Garden

Hebe ground cover NZ options offer year-round colour, easy care, and enduring performance in our unique climate. Browse our selection to discover the perfect hebe for your landscape, and enjoy a garden that’s vibrant, low-maintenance, and uniquely New Zealand.


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.

The spotlight often lands on Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin', but Buxus 'Green Gem', Michelia figo, and Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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