Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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hebe planting position

Choosing the right hebe planting position is key to enjoying these stunning, versatile New Zealand natives in your garden. Hebes suit a wide range of garden styles and are beloved for their tidy form, evergreen foliage, and prolific blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Whether you’re adding a new [Hebe odora](/shop/product/shrubs/hebe-odora) to a sunny border or want to create structure with [Hebe Emerald Gem](/shop/product/shrubs/hebe-emerald-gem), carefully considering where to plant makes all the difference in their health and beauty.

Hebe 'First Light'

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.

Buy Hebe 'First Light'

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 Orphan Annie

Hebe Orphan Annie is grown for its variegated foliage and prolific flowering through summer and autumn. Short flower spikes carrying purple flowers are borne amidst the lush and glossy, cream and green leaves. This NZ native typically grows with a rounded shape to about 50 cm tall and the same wide. Hebe Orphan Annie is ideal for including in a mixed planting, mass planting either as a groundcover or on a bank, adding to borders, including in cottage gardens, or planting around outdoor living areas.

Buy Hebe Orphan Annie

From $22.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

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

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock, Tropical

Best Hebe Planting Position

Hebe shrubs thrive in full sun to part shade. The ideal hebe planting position will provide at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While hebes tolerate some shade, they will produce the best foliage colour and most abundant flowers if they bask in good light. Equally important is air circulation—ensure your planting spot isn’t cramped, as good airflow keeps your hebe healthy and helps prevent disease.

Soil drainage is another vital aspect. Hebes prefer well-drained soils and will struggle in waterlogged ground. To create optimal conditions, plant your hebe on a slight mound or into soil that’s been improved with compost or grit, particularly if your garden has heavy clay soils.

Shelter and Garden Uses

While hebes like sun, many varieties—such as Hebe Jewel Of The Nile—also appreciate some shelter from harsh winds. Windswept areas can cause leaf scorch, particularly in colder climates. If your garden is exposed, consider positioning your hebe beside a low wall, fence, or other shrubs for protection. This is especially important if you’re growing more compact forms like Hebe Emerald Gem, which make excellent front-of-border or rockery plants.

Hebes are fantastic for coastal planting, urban spaces, or containers. Their tolerance of salt spray and pollution makes them practical choices for tough positions. For maximum impact, mass-plant hebes along driveways or paths, or use as low hedges. The subtle blue-grey edges of Hebe Red Edge (Hebe albicans Red Edge) add a lovely contrast against green foliage.

Planting Tips for Specific Hebe Varieties

Different types of hebes have slight preferences. Compact varieties like Hebe Emerald Gem and Hebe Catherine appreciate positions with morning sun and light afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. Large-leaved or spreading types are a great choice for splashes of shade beneath trees, provided their roots aren’t sitting wet.

For added year-round colour, Hebe odora brings lustrous foliage and masses of white to pale mauve flowers in warmer spots. Meanwhile, the pale green leaves and purple flower spikes of Hebe Jewel Of The Nile stand out beautifully in mixed borders with well-drained, fertile soil.

Conclusion

Selecting the right hebe planting position assures healthy, vibrant shrubs that thrive for years. Most hebes favour a sunny, sheltered spot with good drainage and ample room to grow. Explore favourite varieties like Hebe odora or Hebe Red Edge (Hebe albicans Red Edge) to brighten your garden with minimum fuss and maximum appeal.

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.

hebe planting position

Hebe 'First Light'

Hebe Orphan Annie

Did you find what you are looking for?

Best Hebe Planting Position

Shelter and Garden Uses

Planting Tips for Specific Hebe Varieties

Conclusion

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

hebe planting position

Hebe 'First Light'

Hebe Orphan Annie

Did you find what you are looking for?

Best Hebe Planting Position

Shelter and Garden Uses

Planting Tips for Specific Hebe Varieties

Conclusion

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

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