Hebe rakaiensis
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 m
- Spread
- 1.2 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An excellent ground cover plant[1], though it takes about 2 years to form an effective cover[3]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[5]. It can also be grown as a dwarf hedge, tolerating gentle clipping[1].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand.
- Habitat
- Rocky places at low altitudes in South Island[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- 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[4]. Dislikes very dry soils and water-logged soils. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution and maritime exposure[4]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[2]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[4]. Plants of this species are often grown under the names of H. buxifolia or H. subalpina in British gardens[4]. This species is very easy to transplant and, with care, it can even be moved when in flower[4]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].
References
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1