Overview
Hebe topiaria is a bushy, compact shrub in the genus Veronica, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, glossy foliage. Hebe topiaria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, hedging and topiary. It is native to New Zealand South.
About
Veronica topiaria, the topiarist's hebe, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to the South Island of New Zealand. As its synonym Hebe topiaria it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veronica topiaria
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, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hebe topiaria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Compact
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Glossy
- Suggested uses
- borders, hedging, topiary
- Native to
- New Zealand South
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hebe topiaria
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hebe topiaria?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Where is the best place to plant Hebe topiaria?
Hebe topiaria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hebe topiaria need?
Hebe topiaria grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Hebe topiaria?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Hebe topiaria hardy in the UK?
Hebe topiaria 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 topiaria?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
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
