Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hebe rakaiensis is a small, slow-growing shrub that is native to New Zealand. The plant has tufted, silver-grey leaves and purple flowers. hebe rakaiensis is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its low maintenance and attractive appearance.

Also called

• Rakai hebe
  
• Rakai h?nau
  
• Hebe rakaiensis var. rakaiensis
  
• Hebe rakaiensis var. hinau
  
• Hebe rakaiensis f. rakaiensis

Basic info

• Hebe rakaiensis is a native of New Zealand.
  
• It is a member of the plant family Verbenaceae.
  
• Hebe rakaiensis is an evergreen shrub.
  
• It can reach a height of up to 3 m.
  
• The leaves of Hebe rakaiensis are oval in shape and measure up to 8 cm in length.
  
• The flowers of Hebe rakaiensis are white in color and borne in clusters.
  
• The fruit of Hebe rakaiensis is a black berry.
  
• Hebe rakaiensis is commonly grown as an ornamental plant.
  
• It is also used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis.
  
• Hebe rakaiensis is considered to be an endangered species.

Related plant:
Hebe Veronica

How to Grow

1. For hebe rakaiensis, first step is to obtain a healthy plant. Make sure to get one that is at least 6 inches tall.
   
2. Plant hebe rakaiensis in well-draining soil.
   
3. Place the plant in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
   
4. Water hebe rakaiensis regularly, making sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
   
5. Fertilize hebe rakaiensis every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
   
6. Prune hebe rakaiensis as needed to shape and control growth.
   
7. Protect hebe rakaiensis from extreme cold or heat.
   
8. Watch for pests and diseases, and take action if necessary.
   
9. Enjoy the beautiful flowers of hebe rakaiensis!
   
10. Remember to divide and replant hebe rakaiensis every few years to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.

Related plant:
Hebe Heartbreaker

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Hebe rakaiensis is an endemic species that is found only on the Rakai Plateau in central Otago, New Zealand. It is a member of the mint family and is a short-lived herbaceous perennial. The soil is well-drained and relatively infertile. Hebe rakaiensis is pollinated by bees and flies.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, the Hebe rakaiensis needs sun light to grow. The plant grows best in partial to full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. If the plant does not get enough sun, it will become leggy and its leaves will turn yellow.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the Hebe rakaiensis plant is that it prefers warm weather and can withstand frosts down to -5ºC. It can also tolerate salt and wind, making it an ideal plant for coastal areas.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above, however it can still survive in lower humidity conditions as long as the air is not too dry. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant is not too needy, and actually does quite well in average to poor soils. They also have a moderate to high tolerance for salt. However, they do require good drainage, as the roots will rot in waterlogged soils. When planting, make sure the root ball is not sitting in water. Also, take care not to break any roots when transplanting.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your hebe rakaiensis plant healthy and looking its best. Regular pruning encourages new growth, which keeps the plant looking full and lush. It also helps to remove any dead or dying leaves and stems, which can help to prevent disease.

About Propagating

Propagation : Hebe rakaiensis is best propagated from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Remove a well-developed shoot from the plant and cut it into 3-4 inch cuttings. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and water them well. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny location. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once they have rooted, transplant them into individual pots and water them regularly.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in New Zealand, where the species is endemic. In general, Hebes tend to have slower growth rates than other plant species. A study published in 2009 found that the average growth rate of hebe rakaiensis was 0.47 cm per month.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with fungicides. If you see any of these problems on your plant, be sure to treat them right away.

Tips on Growing

• If you are growing hebe rakaiensis from seed, scarify the seed surface with sandpaper to help with germination.
  
• Start hebe rakaiensis seeds in a sterile seed-starting mix and keep moist until germination.
  
• Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have several sets of true leaves.
  
• Hebe rakaiensis prefer a bright, sunny location but will tolerate some light shade.
  
• Plant hebe rakaiensis in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
  
• Water hebe rakaiensis regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  
• Fertilize hebe rakaiensis monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  
• Prune hebe rakaiensis as needed to shape and control growth.
  
• Hebe rakaiensis are generally pest and disease free. Watch for

You May Like

• Hebe albicans
  
• Hebe albiflora
  
• Hebe arbuscula
  
• Hebe arbusculoides
  
• Hebe bacillaris
  
• Hebe baccans
  
• Hebe balfouriana
  
• Hebe beardii
  
• Hebe bhutanica
  
• Hebe bidwillii

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Hebe—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Boxwood Hebe - Hebe buxifolia 'Nana' - PNW Plants
Hebe. - Canova. (The J. Paul Getty Museum Collection)