Hebe Santa Monica

'Santa Monica'® is a brand new variety of hybrid Speedwell shrub that stands out for its particularly dark foliage in winter. This small plant, which has a compact habit, is adorned with small glossy leaves that change colour from green in spring and summer to autumnal red and then almost black in cold weather. The charm of this perennial, with its large cushion-like appearance, is further enhanced by its prolonged raspberry pink flowering, which occurs from late spring to mid-summer. Moderately hardy, but drought resistant, this shrubby Hebe is easy to grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Its compact size makes it perfect for containers on terraces, in summer compositions, or in mass plantings in mild climates.

'Santa Monica'® is a recent hybrid cultivar, and likely the one with the darkest winter foliage. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is related to perennial veronicas. It eventually forms a small bush with a slightly open habit, reaching approximately 80 cm (1 ft) in height and 60 cm (24 in) in width. Its reddish to purplish stems, which lignify with age, bear thin elliptical leaves, about 5 cm (2 in) long, that are thick and leathery. They start off a bright green when they emerge and gradually change to bronze and purplish hues at the first signs of cold, ending the year in a nearly black shade, including on the underside. Flowering begins in May-June and ends in July-August. It takes the form of simple lateral inflorescences resembling thin bottlebrushes, about 5 cm (2 in) long. They consist of numerous small fluffy flowers: the fuchsia pink buds open into vibrant raspberry pink blooms. Pruning after flowering is recommended to maintain a compact habit and neat appearance to this shrubby veronica.

With relatively slow growth and being relatively hardy (down to -10°C (14 °F) for 'Santa Monica'), Hebes are generally grouped with perennial plants because their usage is closer to that of perennials than to shrubs. The medium-sized variety 'Santa Monica' can be showcased in a pretty pot on the terrace, in a large flower box with annuals (lobelias, nemesias, Euphorbia Diamond Frost), or in a bed of small shrubs or tall perennials. To enhance its beauty consider combining with e.g. Pennisetum advena Rubrum (a tall grass with purple foliage), blue perennial geraniums (Rozanne, Rosemoor), or the Senecio Angel Wings with its almost white foliage. In colder regions Hebes can be grown in large pots on the terrace and stored in a bright, unheated space during winter.