. A true gem from the alpine screes of New Zealand’s South Island, this dwarf hebe is perfectly suited for the rock garden. Forming dense, neat cushions of tiny, glossy green leaves, it mirrors the rugged beauty of its native mountain slopes where it nestles among stones and gravel under cool, open skies. In summer, short spikes of pristine white flowers rise just above the foliage, giving a delicate yet striking display. Its compact size and slow growth make it an ideal choice for troughs, crevices, and the front of rock borders, where its tidy form and alpine character shine. Best in full sun with sharp drainage and protection from winter wet, this hardy little shrub thrives in the same conditions that bring out the best in other alpine treasures. Hardy to about USDA zone 6, it withstands significant cold provided drainage is excellent, making it a reliable and authentic choice for temperate rock gardens. With its combination of toughness, charm, and mountain heritage, Hebe buchananii var. minor brings a piece of the New Zealand high country directly into the rock garden.I’m a huge fan of Hebe and after the winter’s trip to New Zealand have my sights on a few more for the rock garden, this one is a standout, tiny dwarf suitable for crevice garden or trough even. With tight clustered growth habit and small white flowers at the tips in the summer.
Most hebes don’t like to cook in desert heat type conditions unless they are kept moist, so either plan to give afternoon shade for drought tolerance or keep it watered through the summer. It’s growing well here in the bog margin at illahe.
. A true gem from the alpine screes of New Zealand’s South Island, this dwarf hebe is perfectly suited for the rock garden. Forming dense, neat cushions of tiny, glossy green leaves, it mirrors the rugged beauty of its native mountain slopes where it nestles among stones and gravel under cool, open skies. In summer, short spikes of pristine white flowers rise just above the foliage, giving a delicate yet striking display. Its compact size and slow growth make it an ideal choice for troughs, crevices, and the front of rock borders, where its tidy form and alpine character shine. Best in full sun with sharp drainage and protection from winter wet, this hardy little shrub thrives in the same conditions that bring out the best in other alpine treasures. Hardy to about USDA zone 6, it withstands significant cold provided drainage is excellent, making it a reliable and authentic choice for temperate rock gardens. With its combination of toughness, charm, and mountain heritage, Hebe buchananii var. minor brings a piece of the New Zealand high country directly into the rock garden.I’m a huge fan of Hebe and after the winter’s trip to New Zealand have my sights on a few more for the rock garden, this one is a standout, tiny dwarf suitable for crevice garden or trough even. With tight clustered growth habit and small white flowers at the tips in the summer.
Most hebes don’t like to cook in desert heat type conditions unless they are kept moist, so either plan to give afternoon shade for drought tolerance or keep it watered through the summer. It’s growing well here in the bog margin at illahe.
