Hebe brachysiphon
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Hebe brachysiphon is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Not known
New Zealand. Naturalized in the Scilly Isles.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A very good hedge for maritime areas but the plants are apt to become leggy.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Prefers a position in full sun, succeeding in most well-drained soils with some shelter from cold winds. Dislikes very dry soils and water-logged soils. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution and maritime exposure. Hardy to about -10°c, this is one of the hardiest members of the genus. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Does not like being pruned back into old wood. Sometimes confused in cultivation with the closely related H. traversii. This species is very easy to transplant and, with care, it can even be moved when in flower. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the young plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. It would probably be worthwhile giving some protection to the plant for its first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half ripe wood, 3 - 5cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up when roots are forming and keep in a frame or greenhouse for its first winter before planting out in late spring. Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn or winter in a frame.
Best place to grow: Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist