Alpine Hebe Hebe pinguifolia 'Pagei'

Water

Shrubby veronica (Hebe pinguifolia 'Pagei') prefers soil that is consistently moist but well-drained, meaning it should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This might generally equate to watering once every week, but frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions and the plant's maturity. Provide about one gallon of water at each watering session to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened. During the hotter seasons or in particularly dry climates, the frequency may need to increase. Conversely, in cooler seasons or more humid climates, watering may be reduced to prevent waterlogging.

Light

Shrubby veronica thrives best in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. An ideal location will offer bright, indirect light for the majority of the day, with some direct sunlight, preferably during the cooler morning hours to avoid leaf scorch. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to poor growth and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Shrubby veronica can handle a range of temperatures and is hardy in the face of occasional cold snaps, surviving in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth, maintain an environment where temperatures sit between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is generally cold-hardy but may suffer in prolonged temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning shrubby veronica is essential to encourage bushy growth and maintain a neat shape. Prune in the early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged branches and shaping the plant to your liking. Pruning can take place again after flowering to remove spent blooms and tidy the plant, which can promote a second flush of flowers in some climates.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hebe 'Pagei' prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 5.5 to 7. A mix of two parts peat moss or compost, one part perlite, and one part loamy garden soil works well, ensuring good drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Hebe 'Pagei', a slow-growing shrub, doesn't need frequent repotting. Repot young plants every 2-3 years, while mature plants can be repotted every 3-5 years or as needed when roots outgrow the pot.

Humidity & Misting

Hebe 'Pagei' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in conditions similar to its native coastal environment. Aim for moderate humidity but ensure good air circulation to keep the foliage dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Hebe 'Pagei' near a south-facing window for adequate light.

• Outdoor

  Plant Hebe 'Pagei' in a sunny spot with shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Hebe pinguifolia 'Pagei', commonly known as Shrubby Veronica, begins its life cycle as a seed that sprouts in suitable conditions, which typically includes well-draining soil and partial to full sun exposure. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing roots and a small rosette of leaves as it enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on growth and photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, displaying small, white or pale lavender flowers that attract pollinators and are essential for reproductive success. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive stage. Once seeds are dispersed, often by wind or with the assistance of animals, the life cycle is positioned to start anew, while the parent plant may continue to grow and undergo additional flowering cycles for several years. The Shrubby Veronica is evergreen and may reach a mature shrub size, continuing to contribute aesthetically to the landscape while potentially undergoing seasonal pruning or maintenance to sustain health and vigor.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Hebe pinguifolia 'Pagei', commonly known as Alpine Hebe, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the current season's growth in late summer to early autumn. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long and should include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the surface to form roots. A plastic covering can be employed to maintain humidity, and the cuttings are kept in a bright, but not directly sunny, location until they root, which typically takes several weeks.