Hebe Hebe 'Neil's Choice'

Names

• Family

  Plantaginaceae

• Synonyms

  Veronica, Hebe

• Common names

  Hebe 'Neil's Choice'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Hebe plant is not known to be significantly toxic to humans. However, it is generally advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly used as food, as they can potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. There is no widespread documentation of severe poisoning from Hebes, but as with any plant material, it's wise to err on the side of caution and keep them out of reach of children who might inadvertently ingest them.

• To pets

  The Hebe plant, also known as Veronica, is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While it is not known to cause severe poisoning, ingestion of any plant material can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if ingested in large quantities. It is always best to monitor your pets and discourage them from chewing on any plants, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent any potential negative reactions.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  8

• Native area

  New Zealand

General Benefits

• Attractive Foliage: Hebe 'Neil's Choice' has vibrant green foliage that adds visual interest to gardens throughout the year.
• Floral Display: It produces eye-catching purple flowers in the summer, which can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Low Maintenance: This shrub is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and watering once established.
• Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or water-wise landscaping.
• Compact Size: With its small to medium size, Hebe 'Neil's Choice' is ideal for use in smaller gardens or as part of mixed borders.
• Evergreen: As an evergreen plant, it provides year-round color and structure in the garden.
• Versatility: The plant can be used in various landscape designs, including rock gardens, coastal gardens, containers, and as informal hedges.
• Cold Hardy: It demonstrates a good level of cold hardiness, making it suitable for planting in many temperate regions.
• Fast Growth: Hebe 'Neil's Choice' has a relatively fast growth rate, allowing for quicker establishment and filling in of garden spaces.
• Deer Resistance: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hebe 'Neil's Choice' can be used in floral arrangements for a touch of natural beauty, as the leaves and blooms add texture and color to bouquets.
• This plant's dense foliage can provide a privacy screen in gardens when planted in a row or as a hedge.
• Hebe leaves can be used in crafts, such as pressed flower projects, due to their interesting shape and structure.
• The woody stems of older Hebe plants could be repurposed into small stakes for supporting other, more delicate plants in the garden.
• In a sensory garden, Hebe 'Neil's Choice' adds both visual appeal and a soft texture for tactile interaction.
• This variety, when dried, could potentially be used in creating natural dyes for arts and crafts due to its potential to release color.
• The sturdy branches can serve as a natural trellis for climbing vines when the plants are positioned close to one another.
• Hebe works well as a potted plant for decking out patios and balconies, offering evergreen interest and occasional blooms.
• The plant can be used for educational purposes in schools or botanical studies, illustrating plant growth, lifecycle, and care to students.
• Hebe can be employed as a living mulch, its evergreen foliage helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

Feng Shui

The Hebe plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hebe plant is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Youthfulness: The genus Hebe was named after the Greek goddess of youth, Hebe, and is often associated with youth and freshness, reflecting the plant's lush and vibrant foliage.
• Endurance: Hebe plants are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure difficulties.
• Protection: In horticultural folklore, hebe plants are sometimes planted to protect against negative influences, emblematic of a guardian or protective force.
• New Beginnings: The evergreen nature of the Hebe plant, along with its propensity to bloom in different seasons, can represent hope, renewal, and the start of a new phase in life.