Hebe carnulosa

Hebe carnosula is a variety that forms a small spreading bush, which remains decorative all year round with its grey-blue-green evergreen foliage, slightly marginated with yellow. Throughout summer, it bears spikes of small white and melliferous flowers at the end of the branches. Plant this hebe in sunny, well-drained soil. It will work wonders in a border, a rockery, a flower bed, or even a container. This variety is moderately hardy (-10°C (14°F)) and requires little maintenance.

Hebe carnosula belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is a botanical species native to New Zealand. It forms a compact clump with branches that are more or less lying down, or even prostrate. This creeping bush reaches a height of 30cm (12in) with a similar spread, or even more. Its foliage catches our attention. Evergreen in winter, its leaves are ovate and wide, almost round and concave. They are glaucous silver-green with a slight yellow margin. From June to September, it is covered with clusters of white flowers that attract bees and other pollinating insects. The inflorescences measure between 0.5 and 1cm (0.4in) in length and bloom above the foliage. The flower buds are a purplish pink.

Hebe carnosula is undemanding. It thrives in the sun in rather porous soil. It is ideal for coastal gardens. In cooler regions, grow it in a container so that you can bring it indoors to a greenhouse or conservatory during winter. With its compact habit, it is perfect for creating neat borders, replacing boxwood but in a bluer version. It is also an excellent ground cover that you can combine with rockery conifers like Juniperus squamata 'Blue Carpet'. In an all-white flower bed, plant it in the foreground and combine it with a Decorosier 'Opalia' and Escallonia 'Iveyi' at the back.