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Hebe speciosa - (Cunn.)Ckn.                
                 
Common Name
Family Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms Veronica speciosa.
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Sea cliffs on North Island[44]. Locally naturalized on sea cliffs in Ireland[50].
Range New Zealand.
Edibility Rating  
Medicinal Rating  
Care
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun

Summary       

Physical Characteristics       
 icon of manicon of shrub
Hebe speciosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft).
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.


Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Hebe speciosa


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JoJan
Hebe speciosa
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:ShineB
   
Habitats       
 Hedge;
Edible Uses                                         
None known
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.



None known
Other Uses
Hedge;  Hedge.

Succeeds as an untrimmed hedge in maritime areas, tolerating maritime exposure[75, 200].
Cultivation details                                         
Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not boggy or too dry[182]. Prefers a light well-drained soil[1, 166] and a sunny position[200]. Prefers a moist rich soil[166] but plants are probably hardier in a soil that is on the poor side[1]. Lime tolerant[11]. Intolerant of drought[166]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[200]. Very wind resistant, withstanding maritime exposure[166]. Very ornamental[1]. A good butterfly plant[30]. A polymorphic species[200[, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
                                                                                 
Propagation                                         
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the young plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. It would probably be worthwhile giving some protection to the plant for its first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half ripe wood, 3 - 5cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up when roots are forming and keep in a frame or greenhouse for its first winter before planting out in late spring. Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn or winter in a frame.
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Expert comment                                         
 
      
Author                                         
(Cunn.)Ckn.
                                                                                 
Botanical References                                         
1144200
                                                                                 
Links / References                                         

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
[11]Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
[30]Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe.
An excellent book on Lepidoptera, it also lists their favourite food plants.
[44]Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand.
The standard work, in 3 volumes though only the first two are of interest to the plant project. Very good on habitats.
[50]? Flora Europaea
An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.
[75]Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges.
A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas.
[166]Taylor. J. The Milder Garden.
A good book on plants that you didn't know could be grown outdoors in Britain.
[182]Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos.
Contains a wide range of plants with a brief description, mainly of their ornamental value but also usually of cultivation details and varieties.
[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

Readers comment                                         
 
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Subject : Hebe speciosa  
             

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