Hebe brachysiphon

Hebe brachysiphon or Veronica brachysiphon is a very bushy species of hebe, appreciated in oceanic or maritime climates for its resistance to spray, its dense and regular habit in a compact ball shape, and for the graphic design of its foliage, arranged in a very geometric manner along the branches. In early summer it produces short spikes of white flowers, very bright against foliage of beautiful glossy olive green. This evergreen shrub, suited to mild climates, has a real presence in low hedges, sunny borders, or in a large pot on the terrace.

Hebe brachysiphon belongs to the family of Plantaginaceae, like its perennial veronica cousins. This plant is a botanical species native to the Marlborough, Canterbury, and Red Hills Ridge mountains, located in northeastern New Zealand. Its natural habitat is subalpine, with an oceanic climate and a sandy, non-calcareous soil. This branching shrub has a dense, rounded habit, reaching about 1m (3 ft 4 in) in height and 80cm (1 ft) in diameter. With favourable climatic and soil conditions, this hebe can grow up to 1.50m (5 ft) in height. The branches bear evergreen foliage composed of ovate to elliptical, entire, leathery leaves, measuring about 2-3cm (0.8-1.2 in) in length and 6mm (0.2 in) in width. Their colour is olive green, slightly lighter at the edges. They are inserted in a very symmetrical and regular manner on the branches. Flowering takes place from May to July, depending on the climate, for about 3 weeks. The floral spikes, short and stocky, appear at the tips of the branches. They consist of small white flowers with prominent stamens.

With slow growth and relative hardiness (down to -10°C (14 °F)), Hebe plants are generally grouped with perennials because their usage is closer to that of perennials than shrubs. The brachysiphon species, however, has sufficient development to be included, in mild climates, among other flowering shrubs. Its summer flowering goes well with buddleias, in a mix of colours, as does its foliage, which is sometimes tinged with silver. In a seaside garden, low and well-maintained hedges can be created (where one might choose boxwood in a more continental climate). It can be combined with e.g. Escallonia, Myrtus, Oleanders, Evergreen Ceanothus, Callistemons, or even mimosas. Elsewhere, Hebe plants can be grown in large pots on the terrace, to be stored in a bright, unheated room during winter.