Practical
Plants

Hebe salicifolia

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Hebe genus in the family Scrophulariaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Hebe
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
4.5 m
Spread
3 m
Fertility
Bees
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Treats dysentery, having an antiperistaltic action[3].

Product or use
Antispasmodic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A very wind resistant shrub, it can be grown as a shelter hedge in exposed maritime positions.

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
New Zealand. S. America - Chile.
Habitat
Many habitats in South and Stewart Islands in New Zealand[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very 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.

Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not boggy or too dry[5]. Prefers a light well-drained soil[1][4] and a sunny position[6]. Prefers a moist rich soil[4] but plants are probably hardier in a soil that is on the poor side[1]. Lime tolerant[2]. Intolerant of drought[4]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[6]. Very wind resistant, withstanding maritime exposure[4]. A polymorphic species[200[, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. Brooker. S. G., Cambie. R. C. and Cooper. R. C. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-19-558229-2

    ↩

  4. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00

    ↩

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