Hebe rakaiensis

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Hebe rakaiensis
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Mesic
Hardiness:6
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Evergreen
Height:3'
Width:4'
Blooms:Late Spring
Native to:
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Hebe rakaiensis

Propagation: 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.

Cultivation: Prefers a position in full sun, succeeding in most well-drained soils with some shelter from cold winds[1]. Dislikes very dry soils and water-logged soils. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution and maritime exposure[1].

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[2].

Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[1].

Plants of this species are often grown under the names of H. buxifolia or H. subalpina in British gardens[1].

This species is very easy to transplant and, with care, it can even be moved when in flower[1].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].

Range: New Zealand.

Habitat: Rocky places at low altitudes in South Island[2].

Usage: An excellent ground cover plant[3], though it takes about 2 years to form an effective cover[4]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[5]. It can also be grown as a dwarf hedge, tolerating gentle clipping[3].

Pollinators: Insects

Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure

Pollution: Tolerates environmental pollution.

In Leaf: Evergreen

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Shrubs. Pan Books, 1989.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
  4. Napier, Elspeth. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells, 1989.
  5. Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.