Hebe Hebe 'Pascal'
ABOUT
Hebe 'Pascal' is a flowering plant known for its decorative appeal across different seasons. It features glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped with a slight point at the tip. The foliage has a thick, leathery texture and often presents an almost succulent quality. When temperatures drop in the colder months, the leaves develop purple tinges, which add a splash of unexpected color to the plant's appearance. The plant blooms profusely, producing spikes of small flowers that can range from a pale lilac to a deep purple shade, contributing to its ornamental value. These flowers are densely packed in short racemes at the tips of the branches and are attractive to bees and butterflies. As the seasons change, the spent blooms may be deadheaded to maintain a tidy appearance and to encourage further flowering. In addition to its attractive foliage and blossoms, Hebe 'Pascal' displays a dense, compact, and bushy growth habit. It gives the plant a rounded and full look that is both robust and elegant. In terms of its presence in a garden setting, it makes an excellent choice for borders, as an accent plant, or for adding structure to mixed plantings without dominating in terms of sheer size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Veronica, Hebe
Common names
Hebe 'Pascal'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hebe 'Pascal', more commonly known simply as hebe, is not widely recognized as a poisonous plant to humans. While there is limited specific information on the toxicity of this particular cultivar, hebes in general are not usually listed among plants that cause poisoning when ingested. That said, as with any plant, some individuals may experience adverse reactions such as allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested due to individual sensitivities. It’s advisable to keep all plants out of reach of young children who might chew on them.
To pets
Hebe 'Pascal', or simply hebe, is not commonly known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Specific details about the toxicity of this particular cultivar are limited, but hebes are generally not included on lists of plants that are known to be poisonous to pets. However, individual pets may have sensitivities, and ingesting plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. If a pet displays symptoms of distress after ingesting any part of a hebe plant, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Lavender
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Hebe 'Pascal' requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional watering and pruning.
- Year-round Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its evergreen foliage and flower spikes that bloom from summer to fall.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and bees, which can be beneficial for pollination in gardens.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Hebe 'Pascal' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Compact Size: Its relatively small size is perfect for garden borders, containers, or small spaces in the landscape.
- Adaptability: The plant adapts well to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Cold Hardy: Hebe 'Pascal' is relatively resistant to cold temperatures, making it suitable for temperate climates.
- Versatile Uses: It can be used for hedging, as a ground cover, or as a specimen plant in a mixed border.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is not a preferred choice for deer, which can help prevent damage to gardens where deer are a problem.
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: The Hebe 'Pascal' with its striking foliage and flowers can inspire artists and be featured in paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art.
- Education: Can be used as a botanical specimen for educational purposes to teach about plant growth, horticulture, and plant taxonomy in schools and botanical gardens.
- Landscape Design: With its compact growth habit and attractive leaves, Hebe 'Pascal' is utilized in landscape design to create textures and year-round interest in gardens.
- Crafts: The leaves and flowers might be used in crafts such as making wreaths, floral arrangements, or for decorative purposes in event settings.
- Photography: Its distinctive appearance can make it a subject for photography, capturing the different stages of bloom and foliage variation throughout the seasons.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not known for edible properties, it could potentially be used as a non-toxic garnish to add aesthetic appeal to dishes for special occasions.
- Erosion Control: Because of its dense growth, Hebe 'Pascal' can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Theme Gardens: Incorporated into theme gardens such as purple-themed gardens due to its purple flowers, to provide visual coherence in the garden design.
- Mood Enhancement: The vibrant colors of the Hebe 'Pascal' can be used in horticultural therapy settings to help enhance mood and improve the ambiance of a space.
- Wildlife Shelter: Offers shelter and habitat to small wildlife, such as beneficial insects, which utilize the plant's structure for protection.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hebe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hebe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Youthfulness: Hebe is the Greek goddess of youth, and the plant named after her symbolizes the characteristics associated with youth such as freshness, energy, and new beginnings.
- Enduring Love: Tied closely to its representation of youth, Hebe plants can also symbolize lasting affection, suggesting that love can stay fresh and vibrant over time.
- Rejuvenation: Reflecting its ties to the eternal youth of the goddess, this plant can be seen as a symbol of rejuvenation, promoting the idea of restoration and healing.
- Beauty: With its attractive foliage and delicate flowers, the Hebe plant often symbolizes beauty, gracing gardens with its visual appeal.
WaterThe Hebe 'Pascal', commonly known as the Hebe plant, should be watered deeply to ensure the roots receive sufficient moisture, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. A general rule of thumb is to water about once a week, though this may vary depending on your local climate and season. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water the plant twice a week, providing approximately 1 to 2 gallons each time, depending on the size of the plant and the dryness of the soil. In cooler, wetter conditions, reduce watering to every other week or less. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
LightThe Hebe plant thrives best in a spot with full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least four to six hours of sunlight a day, so placing it in a bright location without direct afternoon sun can be ideal to prevent leaf scorch. However, in cooler climates, it can handle more sun throughout the day without issue.
TemperatureThe Hebe plant is comfortable in a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F, making it suitable for temperate regions. It can withstand occasional dips down to about 30°F, but extended exposure to temperatures below freezing can be harmful. During the growing season, ensure the Hebe plant is kept in its ideal temperature range for optimal growth and health.
PruningPruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of the Hebe plant. It should be pruned in the early spring before new growth begins to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Additionally, a light pruning after flowering can encourage bushier growth and more blooms in the following season. It is not necessary to prune the Hebe plant often, once a year is generally sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hebe 'Pascal', commonly known as Shrubby Veronica, is a well-draining mix with peat, perlite, and loam. It should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingShrubby Veronica, or Hebe 'Pascal', should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root crowding and to refresh the soil. Always use a well-draining soil mix when repotting.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Veronica, known as Hebe 'Pascal', thrives best in moderate humidity levels, but it is adaptable to average household humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade, shelter from extreme winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Hebe 'Pascal', commonly known as Hebe or shrubby veronica, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in moist, well-drained soil in a position with good sunlight to partial shade. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a juvenile plant with vigorous growth, forming a compact shrub with dense, glossy green leaves. As it matures, Hebe 'Pascal' produces spikes of mauve flowers, usually in the summer and autumn, which attract pollinators and can give way to small, inedible fruit if conditions are favorable. After its flowering stage, the plant enters a period of dormancy in colder months, where growth slows, and it may lose some leaves depending on the harshness of the winter. Throughout its life, which can span several years with proper care, the Hebe 'Pascal' will undergo cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy. Pruning is occasionally required to maintain its shape and to encourage new growth and more prolific blooming in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Hebe 'Pascal', commonly known as Shrubby Veronica, is generally propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is from late summer to early autumn. To do this, select a healthy stem and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to avoid excess moisture loss and potential rotting when planted. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm place with indirect light and maintained moist until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the plant can be transferred to a larger pot or into the garden.
