Hebe speciosa
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
- 1.5 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds as an untrimmed hedge in maritime areas, tolerating maritime exposure[9][5].
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand.
- 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[4]. Prefers a light well-drained soil[1][3] and a sunny position[5]. Prefers a moist rich soil[3] but plants are probably hardier in a soil that is on the poor side[1]. Lime tolerant[2]. Intolerant of drought[3]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[5]. Very wind resistant, withstanding maritime exposure[3]. Very ornamental[1]. A good butterfly plant[6]. A polymorphic species[200[, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x
Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00
? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00