Hebe rakaiensis (Shrubby Veronica)

Compact, rounded, Hebe rakaiensis, commonly known as Shrubby Veronica, is a small, evergreen, dome-shaped shrub featuring tiny, bright glossy green leaves and short, dense spikes of white flowers from early to mid-summer. Tough, hardy, and easy to grow, Hebe rakaiensis provides color all year round, as well as form, texture, and contrast to its companion plants. Additionally, it requires no pruning, so it is of great architectural value in the garden!

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Typically grows up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm) and 4 ft. wide (120 cm).
• Thrives in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils, although it prefers moderately alkaline to neutral soils. Grows well in poor to moderately fertile soils.
• Very versatile, this plant is perfect for beds, borders, and containers. Well suited to coastal gardens. May be clipped to a low formal hedge, similarly to Boxwood.
• Rarely affected by pests or diseases, it requires little maintenance. Keep an eye out for aphids and downy mildew.
• While pruning is not necessary, you may want to prune back straggly shoots in spring, but do not cut into old wood.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Cultivars will not come true. Root semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn with added bottom heat.
• Native to New Zealand.