Hebe 'Rhubarb and Custard'
Also known as Veronica 'Rhubarb and Custard' (H)
- Height × spread
- 0.6m × 0.7m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Generally available in Winter & early Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A hebe with exuberant variegated foliage. The leaves are noticeably plump, quite short and pointed. They are irregularly coloured with green at their centre, an irregular cream margin and variable pink to near magenta shading. These bright magenta hues are most apparent on the young growth, The whole plant becomes red-purple during the cold months. It produces short racemes of violet flowers during June and July. These are much less high-impact than the foliage. This is quite a compact shrub and may best be planted in a group of three (as a triangle, placed 70cm from each other to make a substantial presence, and surround the triangle with contrasting foliage).
- Flower colour
- Purple, Violet
- Foliage colour
- Cream, Green, Red, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.7m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- 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
- 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 · 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.