Hebe recurva
Rock hebe
Also known as Veronica recurva (H)
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- 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 dome-shaped hebe with narrow, pale glaucous green leaves. They stick out round the stems with a spiky effect and on close inspection, the tips of the leaves curve slightly downwards. It flowers profusely during June and July. The white flowers, coming from pinkish brown buds are held on short stems. The dead flowers leave chestnut brown clusters, which may take some time to remove to restore the shrub to its pristine state. In the wild, this is often found growing on rocks near water, but it likes a free draining site in sunshine. The shrub stands around 60cm (2ft) tall with a spread of around 90cm (3ft).
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Rock garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- 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
- 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.
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.