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hebes for shade

Hebes for shade are the perfect solution for gardeners seeking hardy, low-maintenance evergreen shrubs that thrive even in those tricky, low-light corners of the garden. While hebes are traditionally known for their love of sun, many varieties also do surprisingly well in partial shade, making them versatile choices for New Zealand gardens. If you have a sheltered space beneath trees, a shady border, or a south-facing wall, you can still enjoy the lush foliage and charming flowers hebes are renowned for.

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' shrub covered in pretty, red flowers.

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

5 from 1 customers

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' is a striking bottlebrush variety known for its vivid crimson red flower spikes and lush evergreen foliage. Flowering from late spring into summer, it brings bold colour and attracts bees and birds into New Zealand gardens.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering from late spring through summer, it brings bold colour into New Zealand gardens while attracting bees and birds.

From $37.19

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

From$27.53
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50%

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) shrub covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a classic Australian shrub widely loved in New Zealand for its brilliant crimson red flower spikes and...

From$27.53
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and...

From$26.15
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
A Liquidambar 'Lane Roberts' specimen tree in a park with colourful autumn foliage.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts'

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts' is a popular variety due to its beautiful foliage and brilliant autumn colours. It has star-shaped leaves...

From$536.65
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Heuchera 'Sugar Plum' plant with silver and purple foliage.
Heuchera 'Sugar Plum'

Heuchera 'Sugar Plum' is a beautiful perennial celebrated for its colourful foliage that blends silver, purple, and plum tones throughout the year...

From$20.63
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.
Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$319.95
hosta-blue-mouse-ears--5
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

From$24.77
Gorgeous Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' pink flowers.
Hydrangea 'Ayesha'

Hydrangea 'Ayesha' is a distinctive variety prized for its lilac-like flower clusters and subtle fragrance. The waxy, spoon-shaped petals and glossy...

From$27.95
Carex virgata grass plants in pots at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex virgata

Carex virgata, commonly known as Swamp Sedge, is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that thrives in wetlands, damp soils, and along waterways. It forms...

From$12.95
Large Macropiper excelsum plant
Macropiper excelsum

Macropiper excelsum, commonly known as Kawakawa, is renowned for its heart-shaped, dark green leaves which are aromatic when crushed. This evergreen...

From$23.39
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget Me Not) plant with lush green foliage and stunning blue flowers.
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not)

Myosotidium hortensia, commonly known as the Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not, is a distinctive and recognisable NZ native. The plants have large...

From$16.95
Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.
Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as Karaka, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large and glossy, green leaves. The lush foliage is...

From$23.39
acer-red-sunset-2
Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

From$399.95
Pseudowintera colorata colourful foliage.
Pseudowintera colorata

Pseudowintera colorata, commonly known as Mountain Horopito, is a NZ native shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth has dominant red tones...

From$387.55
Arthropodium Matapouri Bay plant with lush green foliage and masses of white flowers.
Arthropodium 'Matapouri Bay' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium 'Matapouri Bay' is a variety of the commonly known Renga Renga Lily, featuring mid-green leaves with a graceful and elegant arch. It...

From$19.95
Acer 'Armstrong' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Armstrong'

Acer 'Armstrong' is a distinctive Maple grown for its narrow, upright growth habit and fabulous autumn colours. This fast-growing tree produces a...

From$299.95
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
acer-autumn-glory-
Acer 'Autumn Glory'

Acer 'Autumn Glory' is a magnificent deciduous maple renowned for its exceptional autumn colour and attractive rounded canopy. The lush green foliage...

From$299.95
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
Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba 'Sibirica', commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid...

From$24.95
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) trees for sale at The Plant Company.
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$71.69
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran'

Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its rich green foliage, spreading habit, and colourful seasonal flowers. Its...

From$20.01
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

From$16.49
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$17.95
Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Asplenium, Callistemon, and Carex, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Ground Fern, and Grasses.

Search hebes for shade

Why Choose Hebes for Shady Spots?

Selecting hebes for shade has many benefits. These adaptable shrubs provide year-round interest with their glossy leaves and, in many varieties, colourful spikes of blooms that attract bees and birds. Shaded areas often struggle with poor air circulation, but hebes help by improving soil stability and providing dense groundcover, reducing weed competition. Plus, their resistance to wind and salt means they suit exposed coastal gardens as well.

If you are looking to complement your hebes for shade, consider combining them with tough, shade-tolerant plants like Callistemon 'Little John' or Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush), both of which also handle dappled light.

Top Hebe Varieties for Shade

Not all hebes are created equal when it comes to shade. Compact, small-leafed varieties tend to perform best. Some popular choices include:

Heavier shade slows flowering, but these hebes still offer attractive foliage and structure throughout the year.

Planting and Caring for Hebes in Shade

Hebes for shade thrive best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. While they tolerate dampness better than many other plants, ensure the site isn’t waterlogged. When first planted, protect young shrubs using Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth) to help them settle, and consider securing it with Shadecloth And Windbreak Clips (Shadecloth Clips) for added stability in windy zones.

Keep soil moist but not soggy for the first season, then water less as plants establish. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain their compact habit and encourages bushy growth.

Pairing Hebes with Other Shade-Loving Shrubs

For year-round interest, pair your hebes for shade with companion shrubs such as Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush) for vibrant red blooms, or mix with ferns, astelias, and native grasses to create a lush, layered effect in larger shaded beds.

By choosing the right hebes for shade, you can transform those underused corners of your garden into lush, inviting spaces with minimal fuss and maximum impact. Hebes truly bring beauty to every part of the garden—even in the shade.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Garden icons like Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' and Griselinia 'Canterbury' lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Magnolia 'Deryk', Echeveria 'Dark Prince', and Artemisia 'Powis Castle' (Common Wormwood).
–The Plant Company

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