Hebe dieffenbachii
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Hebe genus in the family Scrophulariaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Genus
- Hebe
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Spread
- 1.6 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Plants can be grown as a hedge in maritime areas[1].
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand - Chatham Islands. Naturalized in south-west Britain.
- Habitat
- Not known
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the young plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. It would probably be worthwhile giving some protection to the plant for its first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half ripe wood, 3 - 5cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up when roots are forming and keep in a frame or greenhouse for its first winter before planting out in late spring. Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn or winter in a frame.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a position in full sun, succeeding in most well-drained soils with some shelter from cold winds[1]. Dislikes very dry soils and water-logged soils. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution and maritime exposure[1]. Not very cold-hardy, it tolerates temperatures down to at least -5°c,and only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. It grows well in maritime areas[1]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[1]. This species is very easy to transplant and, with care, it can even be moved when in flower[1]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].
References
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5