Hebe albicans

Dense rounded dwarf evergreen shrub forming a broad mound at around 0.4m tall and 0.6m wide.

Small glaucous oblong leaves with short dense spikes of white flowers borne from pink buds in early summer.

Grows well in poor to moderately fertile well draining soil preferably in neautral to alkaline soil in full sun to partial shade. Will tolerate coastal sites and frost.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or 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 and firm 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 an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well planned border the plants in flower should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Plant approximately 60cm apart. Mulching will help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Apply mulch annually this will help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Prune off any old flowers after flowering and trim to maintain shape if required. Most hebe's benefit from a trim as this helps them stay compact. Left untrimmed the centre can open up and look bare. They can be pruned relatively hard back down to a third if they have got too large and leggy.

Attracts beneficial insects to the garden.

TBC