Overview
Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' is a bushy shrub in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to New Zealand.
About
Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' is a shrub cultivar within the genus Veronica, native to New Zealand and belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with well-drained, moist soil. Hardy to UK zone H5, this plant is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers. Cultivation requires avoiding waterlogging, and light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape. Propagation is typically by semi-ripe cuttings.
About the genus
Veronica is the largest genus in the flowering plant family Plantaginaceae, with about 500 species. It was formerly classified in the family Scrophulariaceae. Common names include speedwell, bird's eye, and gypsyweed.
Wikipedia contributors, "Veronica (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veronica
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, containers
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem'?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem'?
Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' need?
Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' hardy in the UK?
Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hebe franciscana 'Blue Gem'?
Semi-ripe cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Veronica genus
- Veronica 'Silver Swallow' (H)
- Veronica exaltataSpeedwell
- Veronica gentianoides 'Variegata'Speedwell
- Veronica incanasilver speedwell
- Veronica incana 'Wendy'Silver Speedwell
- Veronica longifoliagarden speedwell
- Veronica perfoliataDigger's speedwell
- Veronica spicataspiked speedwell
