How to Grow Hebe Pinguifolia Pagei - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Hebe pinguifolia pagei is a shrub that is native to New Zealand. The leaves are green and the flowers are white.

How to Grow Hebe Pinguifolia Pagei - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Pagei'
  • Hebe pinguifolia pagei
  • Hebe pagei
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Page's Pygmy'
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Page's Dwarf'

Good to Know

  • Hebe pinguifolia pagei is a small shrub that originates from New Zealand.
  • It is also known as koromiko, which means "stinky plant" in Maori.
  • The leaves of Hebe pinguifolia pagei are oblong and fleshy, with a light green colour.
  • The flowers are tiny and white, borne in clusters at the tips of the stems.
  • Hebe pinguifolia pagei is tolerant of salt and wind, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
  • It can be propagated from cuttings or seed, and is best grown in well-drained soil.
  • Hebe pinguifolia pagei is relatively low maintenance and does not require much pruning.
  • It is however susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot, so regular vigilance is required.
  • Hebe pinguifolia pagei is a popular choice for gardens in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
  • It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Related plant:
Hebe Veronica

Growing Steps

  1. For hebe pinguifolia pagei, first step is to find a spot where you want to grow your plant. Make sure that the spot gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have found the perfect spot, it is time to prepare the soil. You can do this by adding some organic matter to the soil such as compost or well-rotted manure.
  3. Once the soil is prepared, you can now sow the seeds. Make sure to plant the seeds around 1/4 inch deep.
  4. Once the seeds have been planted, you will need to keep the soil moist but not too wet. You can do this by watering the soil regularly.
  5. After a few weeks, you should start to see the seedlings emerging from the soil.
  6. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, you can thin them out so that they are around 6 inches apart.
  7. When the plants are around 6 inches tall, you can fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Once the plants are established, you can start to prune them to shape them the way you want.
  9. In the fall, you can cut back the plants to around 6 inches tall.
  10. Lastly, you will need to protect the plants from the cold weather in the winter. You can do this by mulching around the plants with straw or leaves.

Related plant:
Hebe Varieties

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the sun was scorching hot and the land was as dry as a bone. The Hebe pinguifolia pagei was one of the lucky ones, its home was in a deep ravine where a mountain stream had cut through the rock and left a fertile strip of soil along its banks. The soil was moist and cool and the Hebe pinguifolia pagei thrived.

Light requirement

So, like the other Hebe species, the Hebe pinguifolia pagei requires full sun to partial sun in order to maintain its lush foliage. It's a sun-loving plant that's perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden or yard. The Hebe pinguifolia pagei is a low-maintenance plant that's easy to care for. With the right amount of sunlight, this plant will thrive and add beauty to any space.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for the hebe pinguifolia pagei plant is that it can withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius. This plant is native to New Zealand and can be found in the wild in areas that experience colder temperatures. This plant is also known as the mountain hebe and is a member of the plant family known as the Escalloniaceae. The hebe pinguifolia pagei plant is an evergreen shrub that can grow to a height of two meters. This plant has dark green leaves that are leathery in texture and flowers that are white or pale pink in color.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the leaves will start to turn brown and if it drops below 50%, the leaves will start to fall off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this family of plant is not too demanding. A well-drained, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal. You can improve drainage by mixing in some sand or perlite. Fertilize hebes every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. If you are growing hebes in containers, use a slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer monthly. Be sure to root hebes in moist but well-drained soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of know-how, it can be easy to keep your Hebe pinguifolia pagei looking its best. This versatile plant can be pruned into a hedge, topiary, or even left to grow naturally. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood first. Next, cut back any overgrown or wayward branches. Finally, shape the plant to your desired look.

The Propagation

Propagation of Hebe pinguifolia pagei can be done through stem cuttings taken from young, actively growing plants. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, and each cutting should include 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until they have rooted.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the warmer months. The amount of growth is affected by the temperature, amount of light, and amount of water the plant receives. The plant typically grows about 1 to 2 inches per month.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include under watering, pests, and diseases. Under watering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, while too much water can lead to root rot. Pests such as aphids and mealybugs can suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and the plant to become stunted. Diseases such as powdery mildew can also cause problems for hebe pinguifolia pagei plants.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your hebe pinguifolia pagei regularly, as it is a succulent plant and does not like to be dry.
  • Place your hebe pinguifolia pagei in a spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
  • When repotting your hebe pinguifolia pagei, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
  • Ensure that your hebe pinguifolia pagei is not getting too much or too little water by checking the soil moisture levels regularly.
  • If you notice that your hebe pinguifolia pagei is starting to stretch or etiolate, prune it back to encourage compact growth.
  • Hebe pinguifolia pagei can be susceptible to mealybugs and other pests, so be sure to check for these regularly and treat accordingly.
  • If your hebe pinguifolia pagei

Substitution

  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Albert Dooley' (Hebe pinguifolia pagei)
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Pagei' (Hebe pinguifolia pagei)
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Silversheen' (Hebe pinguifolia pagei)
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Tenuicaulis' (Hebe pinguifolia pagei)
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Thornicrofti' (Hebe pinguifolia pagei)
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'White Gem' (Hebe pinguifolia pagei)
  • Hebe pinguifolia 'Wiri Donald' (Hebe pinguifolia pagei)
  • Plant Information or specifications
  • Subject = New Zealand Plants
  • Botanical Name = Hebe pinguif

Source:
Hebe pinguifolia - 4 images at PhytoImages.siu.edu image, …
Hebe - Washington State University
Hebe - University of Vermont

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Shrubs Category