Hebe 'Midsummer Beauty'
Also known as Veronica 'Midsummer Beauty' (H)
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a handsome, small shrub, though quite large in terms of our domesticated hebes. It reaches around 1.5m (5ft) height. The long, shiny, rich-green leaves are reddish on their underside when young and flushed with red at their base. During the winter the edges of the leaves are tinted red-purple. All these subtle colours add to the overall rich effect of this plant. It has showy flowers for a hebe, with long lavender flowering spikes that last all summer and carry a sweet fragrance.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Red-young
- Stem colour
- Brown, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Hedge, Structural, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - mid · Planting
Prune old branches occasionally
On well established plants, every other year take out two or three branches to their base, doing this as the plant is just coming into growth. This is a very gentle prune, and be careful not to spoil the plant's symmetry.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Prune lightly after flowering
Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for an informal hedge
If left to grow naturally this is a hedge that has an informal growth habit that gives it a natural, or some may say, 'untidy' look.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for small hedges
This is suitable for a small hedge to use within a garden. It can divide areas while allowing a clear view over its top.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for mild areas
This is only suitable for hedging in locations that aren't too cold or windy.