Hebe odora
Boxwood hebe
Also known as Veronica odora (H), Hebe buxifolia
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.4m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This hebe is widespread across both the north and south islands of New Zealand as well as the Stewart Islands. With such a wide distribution, the plant is somewhat variable and there are a number of cultivars - collected from the wild. The species has a very well ordered appearance with sturdy upreaching stems with neat, stiff little leaves, more or less oval, arranged in a regimented fashion on their stems. It naturally flowers twice a season, in early spring and again in the autumn. These flowers appear as little clusters at the branch ends, coloured white or pale pink. The shrubs are found growing at altitude in sites where there is always some moisture in the soil. This reaches around 1m (3ft) in height with a 1.4m (5ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.4m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented 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 · 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.