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hebe species

Hebe species are a garden favourite in New Zealand, celebrated for their remarkable diversity, year-round foliage, and beautiful floral displays. As one of the largest genera within the New Zealand native plant family, Hebes offer a fantastic range of shapes, colours, and sizes. This makes them exceptionally versatile for garden design, whether you're after a formal hedge, a low-maintenance shrub, or a pollinator-friendly focal point. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at popular hebe species, their growing requirements, and recommendations for gardeners keen to make the most of these reliable, NZ-tough shrubs.

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 flowers from spring through autumn as it grows to 1 m tall and 1.2 m wide.

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 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 summer. It typically grows to 1 m tall and 1 m wide, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens or container planting.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock
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-pretty-in-pink-1
Hebe 'Pretty In Pink'

Hebe 'Pretty In Pink' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its colourful foliage, compact habit, and year round garden appeal. The small...

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$20.63
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
hebe-diosmifolia-3
Hebe diosmifolia

Hebe diosmifolia is a graceful evergreen shrub admired for its fine bright green foliage and masses of small white flowers that cover the plant...

From$22.01
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
Hebe salicifolia 'Snowcap' plant with green foliage and white flower spikes.
Hebe 'Snowcap'

Hebe 'Snowcap' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its neat growth habit and masses of crisp white flowers that brighten the garden for extended...

From$19.25
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
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.
Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.49
hebe-speciosa-magenta-1
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...

OUT OF STOCK
hebe-townsonii-1
Hebe townsonii

Hebe townsonii is a hardy New Zealand native evergreen shrub admired for its dense grey green foliage and attractive spikes of white flowers that...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe decumbens plant with white flowers.
Hebe decumbens (Veronica decumbens)

Hebe decumbens is an evergreen shrub that grows to approximately 75 cm in height and 1.5 m in width. The leaves are glossy green and held densely on...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe 'Sunstreak' plant with variegated foliage.
Hebe 'Sunstreak'

Hebe 'Sunstreak' is a colourful evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage, featuring green leaves edged with creamy yellow that...

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 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...

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
Hebe strictissima plant with elegant white flowers.
Hebe strictissima (Banks Peninsula Koromiko)

Hebe strictissima is a hardy NZ native shrub valued for its dense foliage and reliable performance in a wide range of conditions. With its upright...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe 'Latisepala' plant with green foliage and dark pink flowers.
Hebe latisepala

Hebe latisepala is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its compact form and attractive foliage, complemented by soft mauve to purple flower spikes...

OUT OF STOCK
hebe-marilyn-monroe-
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hebe 'George'

Hebe 'George' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its neat growth habit, appealing foliage, and colourful flowering display. Its dense...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe chathamica plant with lush green foliage and light pink flowers.
Hebe chathamica

Hebe chathamica is a compact New Zealand native shrub valued for its lush green foliage and attractive white flower spikes. Flowering in summer, it...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe Frozen Flame pink and dark green foliage.
Hebe 'Frozen Flame'

Hebe 'Frozen Flame' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its colourful variegated foliage and attractive seasonal interest. The narrow leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe hulkeana plant with flowers.
Hebe hulkeana (Veronica hulkeana)

Hebe hulkeana is a beautiful New Zealand native shrub admired for its soft blue green foliage and masses of fragrant lilac pink flowers that appear...

OUT OF STOCK
hebe-annulata-1
Hebe annulata (Veronica annulata)

Hebe annulata is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its compact form, appealing foliage, and ability to bring year round structure to the...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe 'Amy' with dark green foliage and purple flowers.
Hebe 'Amy'

Hebe 'Amy' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage and attractive flower spikes. Flowering through summer, it produces soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe pinguifolia olive-green foliage held densely.
Hebe pinguifolia

Hebe pinguifolia is an evergreen, spreading shrub that grows to a height of just 30 cm and a width of 90 cm. It has fleshy, blue-grey leaves, and in...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Hebe buxifolia (Boxleaf Hebe)

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

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What Makes Hebe Species Unique?

Hebe species are primarily native to New Zealand, with a few extending out to Australia, South America, and nearby islands. These evergreen shrubs can range from ground-hugging mats to tall, upright forms that suit screening and hedging. Most hebes produce spikes of attractive flowers—usually in shades of white, mauve, purple, or blue—through spring and summer. Their foliage varies from delicate, fine leaves (great for formal settings) to chunky, architectural leaves ideal for modern landscaping.

What sets Hebe species apart is their adaptability. They thrive in coastal gardens, tough city environments, and exposed rural sites. Many are tolerant of wind, salt, and light frosts, making them a wise choice for various Kiwi landscapes.

Choosing the Right Hebe Species for Your Garden

With over a hundred named species and an ever-growing list of garden cultivars, choosing the best hebe requires considering your growing conditions and design goals. Compact shrubs such as Hebe Townsonii (Veronica townsonii) are perfect for rockeries and borders, while showy cultivars like Hebe 'Wiri Mist' bring masses of white blooms to cottage gardens. For striking foliage, Hebe Black Satin offers deep, glossy leaves with a dramatic appeal.

If you're after something distinct, Hebe Latisepala is prized for its lush texture and resilience. For those who want to explore even more unique varieties, Hebe 'Species Q' is an outstanding option, showcasing the diversity this genus offers.

How to Grow and Care for Hebe Species

Hebe species are best planted in full sun to light shade, in well-drained soil. They dislike waterlogged ground, so consider raised beds or sloping sites if your garden is heavy or clay-based. Once established, hebes require little more than an annual prune to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. Mulch annually to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Most hebes will tolerate moderate frosts. In tougher spots, choose hardy species such as Hebe Townsonii (Veronica townsonii) or Hebe Latisepala. Regular deadheading can prolong blooming and keep your shrubs looking neat.

Landscaping Ideas with Hebe Species

The versatility of hebe species means they can be used throughout the garden: as borders, groundcovers, container specimens, or low hedges. Mix and match different forms or colours for year-round interest. For instant contrast, combine the bold foliage of Hebe Black Satin with the delicate masses of flowers from Hebe 'Wiri Mist'.

Whether you’re starting a native planting, adding structure to a modern landscape, or creating a haven for birds and bees, hebe species offer a resilient and visually appealing solution for every garden.

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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.
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