Hebe x franciscana
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
- 2.5 m
- Spread
- 3 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
One of the most wind and spray resistant shrubs[1], it is much used as hedging plant, particularly in maritime areas of the country[2]. It succeeds on the top of Cornish hedges[1]. Requires minimal clipping only.
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- A garden hybrid, H. elliptica x H. speciosa.
- Habitat
- Not known in the wild.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- 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 them 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. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. 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 light well-drained soil in a sunny position[1][4]. Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not boggy or too dry[2]. Very tolerant of salt and wind[3], it succeeds in very exposed maritime positions[2]. Chalk tolerant[4]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[4]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. This species is commonly grown in the Atlantic zone coastal gardens, but it is not reliably hardy inland[1]. It tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c, succeeding outdoors in the milder areas of the country and self-sowing in the Isles of Scilly where it appears wild[3]. Young vigorously growing plants are very susceptible to frost damage but may become hardier after their first winter[1]. A number of forms have been developed for their ornamental value[2]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
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
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5