Care of the shrub Hebe speciosa or New Zealand hebe |
The genus Hebe, family Plantaginaceae, includes 90 species of shrubs native to South America, New Zealand, Australia and some Pacific islands. Sometimes the genus Hebe is included in the genus Veronica. Some species are: Hebe speciosa, Hebe albicans, Hebe stricta, Hebe salicifolia, Hebe diosmifolia, Hebe acutiflora. Common names: New Zealand hebe, Showy hebe, Showy-speedwell. This species is native to New Zealand. They are evergreen shrubs with a compact bearing and opposite branches that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The light green or variegated leaves are ovobad in shape and appear symmetrically along the branches. The flowers appear in compact spikes and can be blue, white, red or purple. They bloom in summer and early fall. New Zealand hebe is used to form borders, low hedges, bushes and potted patios for patios and terraces. It's ideal for coastal gardens due to its resistance to salinity and wind. Hebe speciosa prefers a light shade exposure. It resists light and occasional frosts. Showy hebe needs well-drained soil with abundant organic matter. Planting is done in autumn or spring. Water regularly throughout the year so that the substrate does not dry out completely; never flood. Fertilize every 15 days in summer with mineral fertilizer and in late winter with compost Prune faded flowers and do light pruning in early spring to strengthen the plant. Hebe speciosa is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Showy-speedwell is propagated by division and by cuttings in the fall and from seed sown in the seedbed in the spring. |
Images of the shrub Hebe speciosa or New Zealand hebe |