Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hebe speciosa is a member of the plant family plumbaginaceae, native to new zealand. it is an evergreen shrub growing to 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall and wide, with leathery leaves and clusters of purple or pink flowers in summer and autumn.

Popular name

• Hebe speciosa 'Variegata'
  
• Hebe speciosa 'Hulham Glory'
  
• Hebe speciosa 'Mrs Winder'
  
• Hebe speciosa 'New Zealand Splendour'
  
• Hebe speciosa 'Splendens'

Good to Know

• Hebe speciosa is a shrub native to New Zealand.
  
• It is an evergreen shrub, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round.
  
• Hebe speciosa can grow up to 3 metres tall.
  
• The leaves of Hebe speciosa are oval shaped and green in colour.
  
• Hebe speciosa produces small white flowers which appear in summer.
  
• The fruit of Hebe speciosa is a small blackberry.
  
• Hebe speciosa is tolerant of both drought and frost.
  
• Hebe speciosa is a popular choice for hedges and topiary.
  
• Hebe speciosa is easy to grow and maintain.
  
• Hebe speciosa is a popular garden plant in New Zealand and Australia.

Related plant:
Hebe Veronica

Growing Steps

1. For hebe speciosa, first step is to find a spot that has well-drained soil and receives full sun to partial shade.
   
2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
4. Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it gently around the plant.
   
5. Water the plant deeply.
   
6. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, but be sure to keep it away from the plant’s stem.
   
7. Hebe speciosa generally doesn’t need to be fertilized, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring if desired.
   
8. You can expect hebe speciosa to bloom in late spring or early summer.
   
9. To encourage more blooms, deadhead spent flowers.
   
10. Hebe speciosa is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it may need to be trimmed back in late winter or early spring to control its size and shape.

Related plant:
Hebe Rakaiensis

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, hebe speciosa prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It's adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Hebe speciosa is also tolerant of salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.

About light

Not too different with other succulents, Hebe speciosa requires bright light to maintain its shape and size. If you live in an area with low light, you may find that your Hebe speciosa doesn't grow as large as it should. If you want your Hebe speciosa to reach its full potential, make sure to place it in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for growth of Hebe Speciosa is between 68 to 77 degrees F. However, the plant can survive in a range of temperatures, from 50 to 86 degrees F. The optimum temperature for growth is between 68 to 77 degrees F.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant species is 50%–70%. When the humidity is too low, the leaves may drop and the plant may become stunted. If the humidity is too high, the plant may become leggy.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this type of plant requires a lot since it's a fast grower. A common problem when growing this plant is that the roots become very dense, so it's important to loosen them up every so often. One way to do this is to add some fertilizer to the soil mix.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of hebe speciosa care. It helps to promote bushiness and encourage new growth. Prune away any dead or damaged branches. Cut back any leggy or overgrown branches. Do not prune more than one-third of the plant at any one time.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Hebe speciosa is most commonly achieved through stem cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, actively growing plants and should be 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, as cuttings taken from older wood are less likely to take root. To take a cutting, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove a stem from the parent plant. Be sure to make a clean cut, as ragged cuts can provide entry points for disease. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix, and kept moist until roots have developed and new growth appears.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months, with some species continuing to grow into the fall. The amount of growth depends on the species and the growing conditions. In general, hebes require full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These problems are caused by different fungi and bacteria. Powdery mildew is the most common disease of hebe speciosa. It is caused by the fungus, Erysiphe cichoracearum. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus, Cercospora hebeseptica. Root rot is caused by the bacteria, Pseudomonas cichorii.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to plant hebe in well-drained soil.
  
• Choose a sunny spot for your plant.
  
• Water hebe regularly, especially during dry spells.
  
• If you live in a cold climate, protect your plant from frost damage by covering it with a sheet or cloth at night.
  
• Hebe is not a heavy feeder, so you don't need to fertilize it too often.
  
• Pinch back the tips of the stems regularly to encourage bushier growth.
  
• Hebe is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Watch for signs of problems and act quickly if you see any.
  
• Hebe is a relatively slow-growing plant, so be patient when waiting for it to mature.
  
• When hebe blooms, the flowers are incredibly beautiful. Enjoy them while they last!
  
• Once hebe

You May Like

• Hebe speciosa (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe x speciosa (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa var. rubriflora (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa var. speciosa (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa var. tomentosa (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa var. veitchii (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa f. albiflora (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa f. rubriflora (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa f. tomentosa (hebe speciosa)
  
• Hebe speciosa f. veitchii (hebe spe

Source:
Hebe | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Hebe speciosa SCROPHULARIACEAE - APSA - ANU
Consortium of Pacific Herbaria - Hebe - serv.biokic.asu.edu