Description and general information:
Hebe albicans is a bushy sub-shrub which can reach about 60 cm X 90 cm. It has evergreen foliage which is thick and blue-grey to grey-green. Their leaves are 1.5–3 cm long and produced in perpendicular pairs. the flowers are held in narrow compact racemes 3–6 centimetres long.
H. albicans is found in the mountainous region around Nelson, New Zealand, at an altitude of 1,000–1,400 metres (3,300–4,600 ft). In the wild, it blooms December to April.
Cultivation:
This species requires full sun in northern areas but light shade in hotter regions. Moist but well-drained soil is ideal. It is reasonably wind and salt-tolerant making it ideal for coastal gardens. It can be clipped into a low rounded mound or as a very low hedge. It is fully hardy in zone 7 but with winter protection, can survive in zone 6.
Bloom period:
In North American, this species flowers June and July.
Propagation:
Seed, division, cuttings
Seed:
Fresh seed germinate best. Fluctuating winter temperatures results in best germination.
Division:
Large plants can potentially be dug and divided in early spring.
Cuttings:
Five to ten centimeter tip cuttings taken in late spring through mid-summer, generally root quite easily.