Hebe 'Heartbreaker'
Also known as Veronica 'Heartbreaker' (H)
- Height × spread
- 0.6m × 0.9m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Generally available in Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a hebe of lively effect with long leaves, green at their centre with a broad and irregular creamy margin. The young growth at the leaf tip and indeed the whole leaf, is variously suffused with rosy pink shades that are highly appealling. The pink tints are mostly associated with the cold winter months, in summer it is a softer, creamier shade and produces panicles of pinky white flowers. Give this a warm and sunny position to maximize the leaf colour.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Pink, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.9m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- 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.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune to maintain the plant
Cut back hard when the plant is established. The plant can be reduced by around two thirds its original height.
Summer
Summer · 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.