Hebe Hebe 'Mrs Winder'
ABOUT
The Hebe 'Mrs Winder' is an evergreen shrub with a dense and bushy appearance. Its foliage consists of glossy, green leaves that are lance-shaped and arranged in pairs along the stems. During the blooming season, it produces attractive flower spikes. The flowers themselves are small, tubular, and range in color from deep violet to blue, making a striking contrast with the green foliage. These blooms are favored by pollinators like bees and butterflies. The overall impression of the Hebe 'Mrs Winder' is of a lush, compact shrub that brings both color and textural interest to garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Veronica 'Mrs Winder', Shrubby Veronica 'Mrs Winder', Hebe 'Mrs Winder'.
Common names
Hebe 'Mrs Winder'
ToxicityTo humans
The Hebe plant, commonly referred to as 'Mrs Winder', is not widely known as a toxic plant to humans. There is limited information suggesting significant toxicity upon ingestion. Like with many ornamental plants not intended for human consumption, it is advisable to handle it with care, particularly around children who might accidentally ingest plant parts. However, there are no well-documented toxic effects or poisoning symptoms related to Hebe 'Mrs Winder' for humans.
To pets
In pets, Hebe 'Mrs Winder' is similarly not renowned for its toxicity. While it is always best to prevent pets from eating plants not meant for consumption, the Hebe plant doesn't stand out as particularly dangerous to household animals. There is a lack of specific information on symptoms of poisoning from this plant, suggesting it is not commonly associated with severe health issues for pets if ingested in small quantities. However, pet owners should still be cautious and prevent animals from eating ornamental plants as a general rule.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to care for: Hebe 'Mrs Winder' is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention once established.
- Drought resistant: Once established, this Hebe can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Attracts wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity.
- Evergreen foliage: Hebe 'Mrs Winder' retains its leaves throughout the year, providing constant greenery in the garden.
- Compact growth: Its small and compact habit makes it suitable for borders, containers, and small garden spaces.
- Ornamental value: The plant has attractive foliage and produces colorful flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any landscape.
- Hardy: It's quite hardy and can withstand various climatic conditions once established, making it an ideal choice for different garden zones.
- Low allergenic: Hebe 'Mrs Winder' is not known for causing allergies, which is beneficial for people sensitive to pollen.
- Soil adaptable: It can thrive in various soil types, although well-draining soil is preferred.
- Seasonal interest: Offers visual interest across seasons with its foliage and blooms at different times of the year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Hebe 'Mrs Winder' can inspire artists and photographers with its lush foliage and striking flowers, making it an excellent subject for botanical art and nature photography.
- Education and Research: This plant can be used in botany and horticulture educational programs to teach students about plant care, propagation, and the specific needs of different plant species.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Hebe 'Mrs Winder' can be included in conservation projects where native flora is being reestablished to support local ecosystems and wildlife.
- Miniature Gardens: Due to its compact size, Hebe 'Mrs Winder' is ideal for inclusion in fairy gardens or miniature landscapes where it adds a touch of realism and scale.
- Eco-friendly Ground Cover: This plant can serve as a low-maintenance ground cover that reduces soil erosion and requires less mowing than traditional grass lawns.
- Culinary Garnish: While not known for edible uses, the flowers of Hebe 'Mrs Winder' could potentially be used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish for food plating aesthetics.
- Habitat for Beneficial Insects: The plant can provide a habitat and food source for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, helping to pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Living Gifts: A potted Hebe 'Mrs Winder' can be given as a sustainable living gift for occasions such as housewarmings, instead of cut flowers.
- Winter Garden Interest: This evergreen shrub can add color and structure to winter gardens when other plants have died back or become dormant.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hebe plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hebe plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Youthfulness: Hebe is named after the Greek goddess of youth, and the plant symbolizes keeping a young at heart attitude and eternal youth.
- Vitality: With its evergreen leaves and vibrant flowers, Hebe represents vigor and the life force.
WaterThe Hebe 'Mrs Winder' plant, commonly known as Veronica 'Mrs Winder', should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. This typically amounts to watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. Provide about one to two gallons of water per session to ensure the root zone is adequately moistened, but be careful not to waterlog the soil as Veronica plants do not like to sit in wet conditions. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering since the plant requires less moisture when growth is slower.
LightVeronica 'Mrs Winder' prefers a spot where it can receive full to partial sunlight throughout the day. Ideal conditions include placing it where it can bask in direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. It is adaptable, however, and can also thrive in areas with a bit more shade, though flowering may not be as prolific.
TemperatureVeronica 'Mrs Winder' plants are hardy and can survive in temperatures ranging from about 20 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer to grow in conditions where the temperatures are cool to moderate. The ideal temperature range for maintaining healthy growth is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Veronica 'Mrs Winder' helps to maintain its compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune lightly in the early spring to remove any damaged or dead stems and to reshape the plant. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers will promote further blooming throughout the growing season. The best time to prune for shaping is after the plant has flowered in the summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Veronica is well-draining with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand, with pH preferably between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingThe Veronica should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Veronica thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Veronica in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Veronica in a sheltered spot, protect from harsh winds, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Hebe 'Mrs Winder' starts with germination from seed, although it is more commonly propagated from cuttings taken from a mature plant. Once the cutting takes root or the seed germinates, the plant enters the vegetative growth phase, developing a dense foliage of glossy green leaves and establishing a strong root system. As it matures, the Hebe 'Mrs Winder' enters the flowering stage, typically in early summer, producing spikes of violet-blue flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, if it occurs, seeds may develop which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then goes into a dormancy stage during the cooler months, conserving energy and resources. With proper care, Hebe 'Mrs Winder' can live for many years, going through repeated cycles of growth, blooming, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Hebe 'Mrs Winder', a popular evergreen shrub known for its ornamental foliage and flowers, is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the late summer months. To execute this method, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a section approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end of the cutting is often dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining rooting mix, such as a blend of peat and perlite or sand. The environment should be kept humid, often achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag, and placed in indirect light until roots have established, after which the new Hebe 'Mrs Winder' plant can be transplanted outdoors.
