Hebe Kirkii

Hebe 'Kirkii is a bushy veronica shrub distinguished by its narrow and long, lanceolate foliage, ranging from olive green to grey-green in colour. The leaves are evergreen, thick, and leathery. The plant has a spreading, upright, and airy habit. It is vigorous and can reach a height of up to 1.5m. In early summer, this variety is adorned with long, slender, white spikes of flowers. It is fairly hardy in light and well-drained soil, tolerating temperatures as low as -10°C. It is undemanding and well-suited to coastal areas and Mediterranean climates, as it can tolerate dry and poor soils once established.

Hebes belong to the scrophulariaceae family and are related to perennial veronicas. 'Kirkii' forms a regular, slightly spreading bush that can reach a height of 1.50m. It is believed to be a natural hybrid between Hebe salicifolia and Hebe rakaiensis. It was discovered in 1868 near the upper Rangitata River on the South Island of New Zealand. It was named in honour of Thomas Kirk, a botanist from that island. Its foliage is semi-evergreen or evergreen. Its stems turn woody with age and bear lanceolate, long, narrow, shiny, olive green leaves, measuring up to 4cm long. The flowering mainly occurs in May-June, sometimes with a second bloom in autumn. The flowers are simple lateral inflorescences resembling thin and long spikes, about 5cm long and composed of numerous small white flowers. Deadheading the faded flowers can prolong its summer flowering. Pruning after flowering is recommended to maintain a compact and neat appearance.

Hebes are sometimes offered as perennial plants, as their use is closer to them than to shrubs. Slow-growing Hebe 'Kirkii is relatively hardy, down to -10°C. It is large enough to be included among other flowering shrubs for mild climates. Its summer flowering complements that of buddleias, with a mix of colours and foliage sometimes tinged with silver. In a coastal garden, it can be associated, for example, with Escallonia, Myrtus, Oleanders, Evergreen Ceanothus, Callistemons, or even Mimosas. Elsewhere, Hebes can be grown in large pots on the terrace, to be stored in a bright, unheated room over winter.