Hebe heroes Rev up with Veronicas
EVERY border has a star attraction and at this time of year it is hebes that shine.
There is no shortage of varieties, from low- growers for the ground cover chorus lines to show-stopping taller plants taking centre stage.
All hebes, or shrubby Veronicas, are evergreen, with decorative foliage in bold shapes and colours. There is green, whitish green and silver or green tinged with cream or copper.
Attractive spikes of small flowers are produced from spring to autumn depending on variety. Grown in a sheltered spot, Autumn Glory will bloom sporadically into winter.
The deep purple flowers appear on short spikes from midsummer to late autumn, among masses of eyecatching dark green, lance-shaped leaves with red margins.
Another easy-going variety is Neil’s Choice, with rich violet flower spikes.
If you are lucky they might still be around for making a Christmas table arrangement. The foliage is attractive – red-edged leaves becoming flushed with red in the colder weather.
Blush
Nicola’s Blush is another favourite, sporting leaves up to 4cm long, with red margins that turn purple in winter.
Racemes of magenta flowers, which fade to white, are produced from July through to December.
Of the taller hebes, you will love Great Orme, which has very long spear-shaped leaves and bright-pink flowers held in long tapering racemes. Midsummer Beauty has spear-shaped leaves and long narrow spikes of purple flowers that can measure 30cm in length. Both grow to 1.5m in height.
Hebes do well in poor to moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade. But too much shade and plants may become leggy and stop flowering. They put up with some pollution, so make a good choice for front gardens. Protect plants from drying winds, though. In general the smaller the leaf the better it can tolerate cold and seaside blasts.
An annual prune in March will do them the power of good.
Hebes are named after the Greek goddess of youth but sadly they do have a short-lived tendency. Expect five good years, ten at most.