Hebe diosmifolia

A fast-growing evergreen shrub noted for its free-flowering habit. Grows to around 70cm tall and wide.

Small narrow dark green pointed leaves that are darker above and paler below are produced on upright foliage
One of the earliest hebe's to flower in late winter to early spring it produces small spikes of tiny flowers at the end of the branches that smother the bush. They usually open mauve blue and mature to white. Peak flowering is usually in spring but some forms flower later. This species is usually very free flowering.

Grows well in poor to moderately fertile, well-draining soil (preferably neutral to alkaline). Prefer full sun to partial shade. Will tolerate coastal sites and frost.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. On heavy soils, raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice sand. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring, apply organic fertiliser at a handful per square metre (e.g. blood and bone). Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well-planned border, flowering plants should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Plant approximately 70cm apart.

Ideally, select small grade plants for hedging, as they generally establish much quicker than larger ones. They can also be pruned to shape from an early stage. Planting a double staggered row of hedging plants will result in a denser screen.

Apply mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre. Prune off any old flowers after flowering and trim to maintain shape if required. Most hebes benefit from a trim, as this helps them stay compact. They can be pruned relatively hard (down to a third) if they have got too large and leggy.

Attracts beneficial insects to the garden.

Threatened Native Plant Garden

They occur throughout New Zealand from sea-level to mountain and sub-alpine areas.