Plant of the week

Hebes: These are evergreen shrubs or even small trees, coming in a variety of flower shapes and colours (although there are exceptions to the flowering rule), so there are plenty to choose from. But those that come in all shapes and sizes – particularly the small-leaved cultivars and those with variegated leaves which, in winter, turn red at the tips of each shoot – are growing in popularity. This is a family of plants best grown in welldrained soil, preferably in sun.