Hebe rakaiensis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Hebe rakaiensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. 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): 1
Where it is found
Rocky places at low altitudes in South Island.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
An excellent ground cover plant, though it takes about 2 years to form an effective cover. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way. It can also be grown as a dwarf hedge, tolerating gentle clipping. Attractive flowers.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
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. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants of this species are often grown under the names of H. buxifolia or H. subalpina in British gardens. 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. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is clumping, giving the plant a clumping habit. The predictable growth behaviour makes it easier to maintain without having to apply containment methods.
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: Ground Cover; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist