Hebe 'RED EDGE' hebe, veronica

Red Edge is a unique hebe variety with purple red hues on autumn and winter foliage. The leaves are evergreen, small, broadly oval, pale green to grey green. In June it produces terminal clusters of small, pink flowers. It grows slowly to medium fast, spreading outwards, forming a neat cushion. It needs no or very little pruning. It can be clipped in early spring after all frosts or after flowering in early summer.

Hebes need very well-drained but constantly moist, poor or medium fertile soil that is anything from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It needs good mulching at all times. They originate in New Zealand i.e. a country with high air humidity and mild winters, therefore we choose only the hardies species and varieties for our climate. They are commonly distinguished by small leaves and dwarf growth.

They are hardy on sites sheltered from strong, drying winds, and hidden from direct winter sunlight to about -24°C (USDA zone 6). Species and varieties with small, pale green leaves are commonly hardier than rich green plants, still we do not recommend them for lower zones than 6. Adult hebes usually regenerate readily after harsh winter damage if they are well-established. If necessary, protect them with fir branches or white woven. They can be grown with no protection in USDA zone 7 and higher.

Last update 11-03-2013