hebe speciosa tricolor

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Hebe speciosa tricolor is a striking evergreen shrub that brings year-round colour and interest to New Zealand gardens. Known for its attractive variegated foliage and vibrant flower spikes, this eye-catching hebe is perfect for borders, containers, and mixed shrub plantings. If you're searching for ways to add low-maintenance drama and beauty to your outdoor space, Hebe speciosa tricolor offers versatility in both formal and informal garden designs. With a compact growth habit and stunning tri-colour leaves, this variety stands out among its peers, making it a favourite with both novice and experienced gardeners.

Hebe 'First Light'

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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 Waireka

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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 autumn with tall and showy spikes of purple flowers as it grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide. Hebe Waireka is commonly added to a mixed planting, used in borders, planted around outdoor living areas, used in cottage gardens, or mass planted on a bank.

Buy Hebe Waireka

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

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

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

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hebe Tecomanthe and Tulbaghia, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

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Features and Appearance

Hebe speciosa tricolor is best known for its lush leaves, which boast creamy-white, green, and pink hues. The foliage colours intensify in cooler weather, adding visual excitement throughout the year. In late spring and summer, vibrant mauve to purple flower spikes emerge, attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Typical mature heights range from 60 to 90 cm, making this shrub ideal for smaller spaces or as a vibrant accent in larger beds.

Growing Hebe Speciosa Tricolor in New Zealand

This hebe thrives in full sun to light shade, preferring well-draining soils. It's naturally suited to New Zealand's climate and can handle coastal conditions and mild frosts. For best results, plant Hebe speciosa tricolor in a sheltered spot with good air circulation. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance aside from the occasional trim to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Landscaping Ideas and Companion Plants

Hebe speciosa tricolor works beautifully as a standalone feature or grouped with other hebes for an eclectic shrub display. Pairing it with other evergreen varieties allows for stunning texture and colour contrasts. Consider planting alongside Hebe Inspiration for a combination of bold blooms, or try the soft hues of Hebe First Light for a harmonious look. If you appreciate bi-coloured foliage and vibrant colour palettes, Hebe Waireka and Hebe Charlotte also make excellent companions in your hebe collection.

Care and Maintenance

One of the reasons Hebe speciosa tricolor is so popular is its ease of care. Pruning lightly after flowering will promote compact growth and encourage fresh new leaves. The shrub is generally free from serious pests and diseases, though it is wise to avoid heavy, boggy soils, which can cause root issues. Mulching in spring helps retain moisture and reduces weed competition.

For those interested in exploring more about the wider species, take a look at Hebe speciosa (Veronica speciosa) for a classic green-leafed relative that also flowers abundantly through the warmer months.

Why Choose Hebe Speciosa Tricolor?

This colourful shrub offers instant kerb appeal, provides habitat for pollinators, and showcases New Zealand natives’ adaptability. Whether you’re designing a coastal retreat, brightening up a patio, or adding structure to a flower bed, Hebe speciosa tricolor is a lively, low-fuss choice that rewards gardeners with foliage and florals all year round.

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.