Overview

Hebe rakaiensis is a bushy, matforming, spreading branched shrub in the genus Hebe, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Hebe rakaiensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to South Island of New Zealand.

About

Hebe rakaiensis is a small shrub from the South Island of New Zealand that reaches about 1.0 m. It prefers a sunny position in soils that range from sandy to clay so long as they remain moist but well drained. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it tolerates a range of soil textures and is suited to exposed, sunny sites. Planting in full sun will help it hold a compact 1.0 m habit.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica rakaiensis

About the genus

Veronica sect. Hebe is a group of plants within the genus Veronica, native to New Zealand, Rapa in French Polynesia, the Falkland Islands and South America. It was formerly treated as the separate genus Hebe.

Wikipedia contributors, "Veronica sect. Hebe", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica sect. Hebe

In the garden

Hebe rakaiensis is a shrub native to the South Island of New Zealand, growing to roughly 1.0 m. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae and carries the straightforward proportions that suit smaller planting spaces. The species adapts across sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they remain moist but well drained, so avoid heavy, waterlogged hollows. Place Hebe rakaiensis in full sun for the best development; in UK terms its H7 hardiness means it is fully hardy and will withstand typical winter conditions across the country (USDA zones 5–9). Establishment benefits from an open, free-draining planting hole and a mulch that keeps soil moisture even without causing saturation. Water during dry spells until the root system is established, then reduce supplemental irrigation unless the site becomes very dry. In the garden it suits the front of a sunny mixed border, gravel or rock gardens, and situations where a low, metre-high shrub is required as a neat structural element. It can be used as an informal low screen where a compact shape is wanted. A light trim after flowering will help maintain its approximate 1.0 m height and encourage new side shoots specific to this Hebe.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hebe

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Hebe rakaiensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrub

Habit

Bushy, Matforming, Spreading branched

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1.0 m

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds

Native to

South Island of New Zealand

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hebe rakaiensis

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil textures from sandy to clay; suited to exposed, sunny sites; fully hardy in the UK (H7).

Pruning

Light pruning after flowering to maintain compact habit and shape.

Propagation

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Aphids

Disease resistance

Downy mildews, Fungal leaf spot, Fungal rot, Phytophthora, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions