Hebe Ouessant

Hebe 'Ouessant', also known as Shrubby Veronica, forms a small evergreen bush, slightly frost-sensitive, remarkable for its long blue-violet spikes. It will be ideal in a pot, low hedge or flowerbed.

The 'Ouessant' Hebe has a dense and rounded bushy habit, reaching 1m (3 ft) in height and spread at maturity. Its dense growth at the centre, more open on the periphery, gives it a touch of charm and elegance. It is one of the large-leaved Hebes. Its foliage is glossy, dark green, and tinged with red-purple on the underside. It has lanceolate leaves, not wide, arranged opposite each other. It is also loved for its blooms in long flower spikes of 8cm (3 in), blue-violet in colour. The flowers gradually bloom from bottom to top during the months of July to October.

This blue Shrubby Veronica will be ideal in shrub beds to accompany forsythias, viburnums, or grasses. Also ideal as a standalone plant or in an informal or flowering hedge. Moderately hardy (-8°C (17.6 °F)), the 'Ouessant' Hebe prefers a sunny site but also tolerates partial shade. It will thrive in humus-rich, light, well-drained, and moist soil, protected from severe cold.