Hebe 'Wiri Mist'

A compact, spreading, evergreen shrub that grows up to 60cm tall and 80cm wide.

Short spikes of white flowers are produced in abundance in late spring or early summer and it can flower again in autumn. Its fresh green spear shaped leaves are almost overlapping and give this dense shrub a very attractive appearance.

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 1m apart.

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.

Free of pests and diseases as it was bred specifically for Auckland conditions.

Native Plant Ideas

This hebe has been bred at the Auckland Botanic Gardens to produce plants which have a good flowering habit and are less prone to fungal diseases. This hebe has a main as well as a secondary flowering period making them even more attractive for the gardener.