Hebe Glaucophylla

Hebe (Veronica) glaucophylla

Common names: Glaucous-leaved Hebe

Family: Plantaginaceae

Origin: New Zealand

Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub

Overview

Hebe (Veronica) glaucophylla is a beautifully compact native shrub known for its rounded, tidy form and distinctive blue-green foliage. With masses of white flowers in summer and a naturally neat habit requiring very little maintenance, it is ideal for borders, mixed native gardens, and low-maintenance planting schemes.

Key Features

Foliage: Small, glaucous blue-green leaves giving the shrub an attractive cool-toned appearance; holds shape and colour year-round.
Flowers / Fruit: Abundant white flower heads in summer, providing nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Form & Habit: Rounded, compact shrub forming a naturally tidy 1m x 80cm mound.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Excellent performer in coastal, dry, or exposed gardens; provides habitat value and reliable structural form.

Mature Size

Attribute	Size
Height	1 m
Spread	80 cm
Form	Compact, rounded shrub

Ideal Growing Conditions

Requirement	Detail
Light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil	Prefers free-draining soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, or poor soils
pH Range	Neutral to slightly acidic
Frost Tolerance	Hardy; handles frost, wind, and coastal exposure

Landscaping & Garden Uses

• Perfect for borders and compact garden spaces

• Great in coastal and dry-site plantings

• Mass-plant for a clean, structured look

• Excellent colour contrast with greens, bronzes, and silver foliage plants

• Combines well with flaxes, grasses, libertia, and other compact hebes

Care & Maintenance

Pruning: Minimal; a light trim after flowering can maintain shape if desired.
Watering: Water during establishment; low–moderate needs once mature.
Feeding: Light spring fertiliser if soil is very poor.
Pests & Diseases: Generally robust; avoid waterlogged soils.

Additional Tips

• Best flowering occurs in full sun.

• Ideal for low-maintenance or structured planting designs.

• Its compact form makes it suitable for pots as well as garden beds.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight

“Glaucophylla” refers to the plant’s distinctive blue-tinted foliage, a trait that helps it reflect harsh light and tolerate exposed environments.

Why Choose Hebe (Veronica) glaucophylla?

A tidy, compact, blue-green hebe that brings structure, resilience, and a bright summer flower display to any garden with very little maintenance.

Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.