Hebe

[johnw]

Into the minefield of Hebe identification.

A number of years ago I bought this Hebe as New Zealand Gold.  I thought it had golden foliage when I bought it but it has never been golden here. I wonder if anyone knows this selection and can confirm it should be golden?  It was certainly more compact when I got it, that much I remember.

johnw

[Lesley Cox]

Being, as you know, a confirmed New Zealander myself, I can't help at all. As you say, a minefield with hundreds of hybrids being raised in many parts of the world, let alone the species which again, I haven't a clue about most. Maybe it was raised here. Have you googled?

[Lesley Cox]

Have just done so, myself. From the Hebe society (I didn't know there was one!) Hebe odora 'New Zealand Gold.' The small green leaves can become yellow depending on the soil conditions.

[Paul T]

Gee Lesley, I have a lot of plants that have leaves that can become yellow depending on the soil conditions.  I didn't realise that you could name something for that.... I thought it was just nutrient deficiency!! 

[Lesley Cox]

You're probably right Paul. Maybe a more acid soil would keep the foliage green. Dunno.

[David Lyttle]

Hello John,

According to Metcalf New Zealand Gold is a wild selected form of Hebe odora. He remarks the gold character is not constant and may disappear for a time. Hebe odora is a very common plant but can be attractive none the less forming a round hemispherical bush ca 1 metre high.

[johnw]

Hello John,

According to Metcalf New Zealand Gold is a wild selected form of Hebe odora. He remarks the gold character is not constant and may disappear for a time. Hebe odora is a very common plant but can be attractive none the less forming a round hemispherical bush ca 1 metre high.

Thanks David et al.  The gold character has indeed disappeared for a time - 10 years.  Maybe full sun would help but our soils are acidic though the tap water in summer is quite alkaline.

johnw

[jc (pmm)]

If I may take a rabit trail on the subject of hebe. Does any one know which species is the hardiest? I know it's crazy but it's a plant I've been wanting to try up here in Calgary.

[Lesley Cox]

I can't help with that though David L may be able to. Even though many are snow-covered in winter, and there are high alpine species (epacridea, haastii et al) I suspect your winter is a lot tougher than ours and what the species would normally have to cope with.

[jc (pmm)]

thanks
you're most likely right but the proof is in the pudding and I've has nice surprise with plants considered not hardy for our zone 3 climate.

jc

[johnw]

I think Lesley hit the nail on the head with H. epacridea.  I see it in Newfoundland and it self sows there.  Also there is either H. lycopdoioides or H. hectori  - never been able to sort them out - it was 30" high at the Botanics there before it died of old age (size suits hectori).  I got one from Denmark labelled "hardiest from Sweden", I may have posted a shot a year or so ago, maybe rakiensis but I don't think it was ever positively identified, it's slightly tender here in NS. A couple of people grow pinguicula here but it's definitely on the edge especially in wet winters, drainage is a deciding issue when combined with cold.  All seem to have a limit of -15c.  

All are great tub plants.

johnw

[jc (pmm)]

I've spotted 4 unidentified species in the indoor section of a green house. Apparently the manager is fond of them. I'll inquire to see is he knows the species and if any are the species you list I'll give them a try (in well drained soil). 

thanks for the info.

jc