Hebe Annie

Hebe ‘Annie’ (Veronica ‘Annie’)

Overview

Hebe ‘Annie’ is a compact NZ-bred “Hollywood Hebe” celebrated for its striking cream-and-green variegated foliage and ruby-toned new growth. This small evergreen shrub provides year-round colour, developing rosy pink hues in colder months and producing soft mauve-pink blooms in summer. Ideal for pots, borders and small gardens where vibrant foliage is a key feature.

Key Features

Foliage:
Distinctive variegated leaves with mid-green centres and creamy white margins. New growth emerges ruby or purple, and in cooler weather the foliage often develops a pink flush. Creates a bright, eye-catching effect in any planting.

Flowers / Fruit:
Clusters of soft mauve-pink to lilac flowers from mid-summer into autumn. Not heavily flowering, but the blooms contrast beautifully with the variegated foliage and attract pollinators.

Form & Habit:
Low, bushy, semi-spreading shrub with a naturally compact and rounded shape. Very tidy with minimal trimming.

Growth Rate:
Moderate.

Cultural & Ecological Value:
Provides nectar for bees and beneficial insects. Excellent for small, urban, or courtyard gardens due to its compact scale and constant colour interest.

Mature Size

Attribute	Size
Height	~50 cm
Spread	~50 cm
Form	Compact, bushy, semi-spreading shrub

Ideal Growing Conditions

Requirement	Detail
Light	Full sun for best colour; tolerates light part shade
Water	Low–moderate; enjoys moisture during establishment but drought tolerant afterward
Soil	Must be free-draining; dislikes wet or heavy soils
pH Range	Neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline
Frost Tolerance	Hardy to light–moderate frosts; shelter young plants from heavy frost

Landscaping & Garden Uses

• Ideal feature shrub for pots, patios and entrances

• Low, colourful edging or informal hedge

• Bright foliage accent in mixed native or evergreen plantings

• Excellent in small gardens, urban spaces, or sheltered coastal areas

Care & Maintenance

Pruning: Light trim after flowering helps maintain tight shape and encourages fresh, colourful new foliage. Avoid cutting hard into old wood.
Watering: Keep moist through the first season; afterwards only occasional deep watering is needed during dry spells.
Feeding: Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring; another light feed in autumn if soil is poor.
Pests & Diseases: Generally robust; avoid waterlogged ground to prevent root issues.

Additional Tips

Plant in full sun with sharp drainage to maximise the cream, green, ruby and pink foliage tones. Pair beautifully with darker grasses, purple-leafed hebes, or bronze flaxes.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight

As part of the NZ “Hollywood Hebe” breeding line, ‘Annie’ was selected for its dazzling foliage colours and compact form—giving big visual impact in a small footprint.

Why Choose Hebe ‘Annie’ (Veronica ‘Annie’)?

A vibrant, variegated foliage shrub with seasonal pink tones, attractive summer flowers, and a compact habit—ideal for small gardens, containers and year-round colour.

Pot Size:

These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.

 

similar to Hebe Orphan Annie and a great sub