types of hebe shrubs

Popular Types of Hebe Shrubs

Hebes come in a stunning range of shapes, sizes, and foliage colours. Here are some favourites to consider:

Hebe Catherine

With its striking green leaves edged in cream and purple-tinged new growth, Hebe Catherine is a standout for borders or container planting. This variety produces delicate lilac flowers in summer, adding a soft touch to both modern and cottage-style gardens.

Hebe elliptica (Shore Hebe)

A true coastal gem, Hebe elliptica (Shore Hebe) thrives in salt-laden winds and poor soils, making it ideal for exposed situations. It features glossy, paddle-shaped leaves and dense heads of pale mauve blooms. Shore Hebe is an excellent choice for native planting schemes and shelter belts.

Hebe Karo Golden Esk

If you're wanting foliage with year-round impact, Hebe Karo Golden Esk features vibrant yellow-green leaves that brighten any planting palette. In spring and summer, its clusters of white flowers attract bees and native insects, making it both beautiful and beneficial.

Hebe White Gem (Hebe brachysiphon White Gem)

The compact and tidy form of Hebe White Gem (Hebe brachysiphon White Gem) makes it a top pick for low hedging or front-of-border situations. This type of hebe shrub is prized for its profusion of pure white flowers, blooming over a long period, which contrast nicely with the rich green foliage.

Hebe stenophylla (Narrow-Leaved Hebe)

For those seeking a more contemporary or architectural look, Hebe stenophylla (Narrow-Leaved Hebe) is a great option. Its fine, linear leaves form an elegant, spreading groundcover, and the pale purple-blue flowers add subtle colour in late spring and summer.

How to Use Hebe Shrubs in Your Garden

The versatility of different types of hebe shrubs means you can use them in various ways. Low-growing varieties make excellent edging plants for paths and garden beds, while mid-sized hebes are ideal for informal hedges or structural planting amongst other native species. Taller, wind-resistant types excel as shelter or screening, particularly in exposed coastal gardens.

Growing and Caring for Hebe Shrubs

Most hebe shrubs prefer well-drained soil and a position in full sun to light shade. They're relatively low maintenance and respond well to trimming after flowering to encourage bushy growth. Hebes are drought-tolerant once established, and their resistance to coastal conditions makes them a top choice for sustainable, low-input gardens.

By choosing from the many types of hebe shrubs available, you can enjoy a robust, resilient, and colourful New Zealand garden that shines all year round.