hebe varieties

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 varieties are a cornerstone of New Zealand gardens, prized for their dazzling foliage, versatile growth habits, and year-round interest. Whether you’re looking to brighten borders, spruce up coastal plantings, or attract bees and butterflies, the diverse world of hebes offers a solution for just about every situation. With so many options, from compact mound-forming shrubs to elegant tall cultivars, selecting the right hebe varieties for your garden can turn your landscape into a living tapestry of colour and texture.

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

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 foliage, which together produce an outstanding plant as it grows to 75 cm tall and the same wide. Hebe Bel Air looks most effective when planted in clusters and is commonly included in a mixed planting, used in borders, planted around outdoor living areas, maintained in a container, or added to a cottage garden. It is also well suited to being mass planted on a bank or the like.

Buy Hebe Bel Air

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 75 cm

Spread: 75 cm

Flowering time: Summer

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, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs.

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Why Choose Hebe Varieties?

Hebes are native to New Zealand and thrive in our conditions, making them an easy choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, resilient shrubs. These evergreen plants boast a remarkable palette of leaf colours—from deep purples and glossy greens to striking silvers—and produce flower spikes in hues ranging from white to pink and rich violet. Many hebe varieties perform exceptionally well in coastal areas and urban gardens, tolerating wind, salt, and pollution with ease.

Popular Hebe Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

With more than 100 different hebe varieties available, you’ll find a spectrum of leaf shapes and sizes, flower colours, and growth habits to suit your needs. Here are some standout options worth considering:

Hebe Elizabeth: Known for its compact form and lovely lilac-pink blooms, Hebe Elizabeth thrives in borders and pots and offers extended flowering through the warmer months.
Hebe Black Satin: This dramatic cultivar boasts dark, glossy foliage that provides striking contrast against lighter greens. It's ideal for contemporary gardens seeking a bold statement.
Hebe Caledonia: With vibrant magenta flowers and compact growth, Hebe Caledonia adds year-round colour to garden beds and works well as a low hedge.
Hebe Orphan Annie: Unique with its variegated foliage and delicate white blooms, Hebe Orphan Annie lights up shaded corners and is particularly eye-catching in mixed plantings.
Hebe Catherine: This variety is loved for its soft pastel flowers and dense, bushy habit, making it perfect for edging pathways or filling small spaces.

Design Tips with Hebe Varieties

Hebes are especially versatile in both formal and informal settings. Use compact hebe varieties as edging in borders or to fill in containers; taller types lend structure to the back of beds or act as windbreaks. Mixing several hebe varieties can create a textured, layered look that changes through the seasons as flowers and foliage evolve. Their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils mean they are also well-suited for low-water landscapes and eco-friendly gardens.

How to Care for Hebe Varieties

Plant hebes in well-drained soil and position them where they’ll receive full sun or light shade. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Most hebes resist pests and diseases, making them a fuss-free choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners alike. With careful selection, you can enjoy colourful blooms and lush foliage all year long.

Explore our range of exceptional Hebe Elizabeth, Hebe Black Satin, Hebe Caledonia, Hebe Orphan Annie, and Hebe Catherine for a garden that celebrates the beauty and diversity of hebe varieties.

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.