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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 'Burgundy Jack' shrub with purple flowers.

Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' is a striking bottlebrush renowned for its vivid burgundy red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. Blooming from late spring through 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: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
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, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Callistemon 'Little John' shrub in a courtyard garden covered in elegant, red flowers.

Callistemon 'Little John'

5 from 3 customers

Callistemon 'Little John' is a compact dwarf bottlebrush celebrated for its deep red flowers and fine blue green foliage. Flowering from spring into summer, it attracts bees and birds while maintaining a neat rounded shape all year.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' shrub covered in pretty, red flowers.
Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' is a striking bottlebrush variety known for its vivid crimson red flower spikes and lush evergreen foliage. Flowering from...

From$27.53
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$37.19
windbreak-clips-1
Shadecloth And Windbreak Clips (Shadecloth Clips)

These Shadecloth Clips are tough and designed to straddle the wire and lock together with the mildly tensioned cloth in between. The sharp pins...

From$0.56
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

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
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-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

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 (Shade Cloth For Plants)

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
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
Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' elegant cream-white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet'

Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' is a graceful and timeless variety featuring pure white mophead blooms that evoke elegance and charm. This classic shrub...

From$21.95
A Liquidambar 'Lane Roberts' specimen tree in a park with colourful autumn foliage.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Lane Roberts'

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

From$536.65
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
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$14.95
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
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$99.95
Platanus 'Autumn Glory' trees in bags at a plant nursery.
Platanus 'Autumn Glory'

Platanus 'Autumn Glory' is a large, deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its striking foliage and impressive stature. This cultivar of the Oriental...

From$387.55
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
A 'Annabelle' Hydrangea informal hedge with masses of white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Annabelle'

The ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large, snowball-like white flower heads that appear from summer into autumn...

From$27.95
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
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
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
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
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$22.95
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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
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$34.43
Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' (Bottlebrush)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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.
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