Hebe
Veronica speciosa
Formerly Hebe speciosa · also Hebe imperialis
Also known as New Zealand Hebe, Purple Hebe
Climate Match for your location
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Showy Hebe is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense spikes of vibrant purple, red, or pink flowers that bloom throughout summer. It thrives in full sun with moderate watering and makes an excellent choice for coastal gardens and containers.
Why grow it
Hebe speciosa produces denser, more persistent flowering than many comparable evergreen shrubs, with color sustained through summer into early fall. Its compact habit and salt-tolerance make it particularly useful where space is limited or coastal wind exposure rules out more tender ornamentals. The plant works well in mixed borders, containers, or as a foundation planting where consistent structure and color are desired without extensive pruning.
Watch out for
In warmer climates or with excessive watering, powdery mildew can become established, particularly if air circulation is poor. Container-grown plants may experience root restriction in soil that retains too much moisture; amending with coarse material improves drainage. Young plants can be leggy if grown in insufficient light, so positioning matters more than the plant's stated sun requirements might suggest.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native Range
New Zealand
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Showy Hebe is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense spikes of vibrant purple, red, or pink flowers that bloom throughout summer. It thrives in full sun with moderate watering and makes an excellent choice for coastal gardens and containers.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Hebe grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hebe speciosa produces denser, more persistent flowering than many comparable evergreen shrubs, with color sustained through summer into early fall. Its compact habit and salt-tolerance make it particularly useful where space is limited or coastal wind exposure rules out more tender ornamentals. The plant works well in mixed borders, containers, or as a foundation planting where consistent structure and color are desired without extensive pruning.
Watch out for
In warmer climates or with excessive watering, powdery mildew can become established, particularly if air circulation is poor. Container-grown plants may experience root restriction in soil that retains too much moisture; amending with coarse material improves drainage. Young plants can be leggy if grown in insufficient light, so positioning matters more than the plant's stated sun requirements might suggest.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
Native Range
New Zealand
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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