Hebe Hebe 'Wingletye'
ABOUT
Hebe 'Wingletye' is a visually appealing shrub known for its decorative foliage and attractive flowers. It sports glossy, evergreen leaves that remain on the plant year-round. The leaves are lance-shaped with a vibrant green color that can provide a lush backdrop in any garden setting. During the blooming season, Hebe 'Wingletye' becomes even more striking with the emergence of its flower spikes. The delicate blossoms are typically lilac or pale violet, clustered together at the top of vertical stems, adding a splash of color and a soft, airy texture to the display. This plant can be appreciated for its structural form, dense leaf arrangement, and the contrast between the glossy green foliage and the soft-hued flowers, making it a versatile choice for a variety of landscaping needs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Shrubby Veronica, Hebe
Common names
Hebe 'Wingletye'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hebe 'Wingletye', commonly known as Hebe, is not typically known for being poisonous to humans. However, as with many ornamental plants, it is generally advisable to avoid ingestion, as the plant is not intended for human consumption and could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the presence of saponins or other irritant compounds. There is no widespread evidence of significant toxicity in humans, but if any part of the plant is ingested and adverse symptoms are experienced, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Hebe 'Wingletye', commonly known as Hebe, is also not known to be highly toxic to pets. Most hebes are considered to have low toxicity levels. However, there is always the potential for individual animals to have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to plant material that is not typically considered poisonous. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, they might display mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet exhibits symptoms after consuming any part of the plant, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Attracts Wildlife: Hebe 'Wingletye' can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are vital for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: It is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and able to withstand some drought.
- Evergreen Foliage: The plant maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing consistent garden interest.
- Disease Resistance: Hebe 'Wingletye' is generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, from borders to containers, as it has a compact and neat growth habit.
- Long Blooming: It produces flowers over a long period, typically from early summer to fall, enhancing garden color for many months.
- Tolerates Coastal Conditions: The plant is especially suited to coastal gardens as it can tolerate salty winds and air.
- Urban Friendly: It is suitable for urban gardens with limited space and can thrive in polluted city environments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Topiaries: Due to their compact and bushy nature, Hebe can be pruned into miniature topiaries for decorative purposes in small garden spaces or patios.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers and foliage of Hebe can be snipped and used in fresh floral arrangements to add a unique texture and color to bouquets.
- Container Gardening: Hebe 'Wingletye' makes an excellent container plant, adding structure and color to mixed plantings on balconies or terraces.
- Wildlife Habitat: They can provide shelter and nesting sites for small garden wildlife, such as insects and beneficial garden spiders, promoting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: Planting Hebe on slopes can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, thanks to its root system.
- Fairy Gardens: Their small stature and evergreen leaves make Hebe perfect for incorporating into whimsical fairy garden designs.
- Garden Borders: Hebe can be used to create low, informal hedges or garden borders, marking the edges of garden beds or pathways.
- Living Mulch: When planted closely, Hebe can serve as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and helping to retain soil moisture.
- Seaside Gardens: Hebe 'Wingletye' is tolerable to salt and wind, making it suitable for seaside gardens where other plants might struggle.
- Ground Cover: When planted in mass, Hebe varieties can be utilized as ground cover, providing a continuous carpet of foliage and flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hebe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hebe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Youth - Hebe, in Greek mythology, is the goddess of youth. The plant named after her often symbolizes youth and rejuvenation due to its evergreen leaves and the constant new growth that many Hebe species exhibit.
- Eternal Beauty - With its attractive foliage and graceful flowers, Hebe 'Wingletye' is often seen as a symbol of enduring and timeless beauty.
- New Beginnings - The plant's propensity for growth and renewal can represent fresh starts or new opportunities.
- Protection - In some traditions, Hebe plants are believed to have protective qualities, which is why they might be planted near homes.
WaterThe Hebe 'Wingletye', commonly known as Shrubby Veronica, should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural drought-tolerant characteristics. It is best to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to once every week during active growth in the spring and summer, and reducing to once every two to three weeks during the dormant fall and winter months. Each watering should consist of enough water to reach the roots deeply; for potted plants, this will be approximately one to two gallons, depending on the size of the container. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot, so ensure proper drainage is in place.
LightShrubby Veronica thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day being ideal. The plant performs best in a spot that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect it from the intense heat of the day. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
TemperatureShrubby Veronica is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures, but it prefers temperate climates. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but growth will be stunted if temperatures stay consistently below this. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 70°F. They can tolerate brief periods of hotter weather, up to about 90°F, but sustained high temperatures can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPruning Shrubby Veronica helps to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in early spring before new growth starts, or immediately after the plant has finished flowering. Prune up to one-third of the plant's size to keep it compact and to promote fresh growth. Deadheading spent flowers will also encourage a second flush of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Hebe 'Wingletye' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH between 6.5-7.5. A good recipe would be to mix equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. It's important to avoid soils that are too heavy or clay-rich.
RepottingHebe 'Wingletye', commonly known as Shrubby Veronica, should be repotted every 2-3 years during its growing period in spring. The root system needs time to grow into the new space, so frequent repotting is not necessary.
Humidity & MistingShrubby Veronica thrives best in moderate humidity levels, similar to what is typically found in outdoor environments. High humidity is not necessary, but the plant should not be placed in extremely dry conditions for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, shelter from harsh winds, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleHebe 'Wingletye' begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, sprouts into a seedling. The seedling then grows into a young plant, exhibiting typical Hebe characteristics with glossy leaves and a bushy habit. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a robust root system and foliage. During the flowering stage, Hebe 'Wingletye' produces clusters of flowers that can range in color, attracting pollinators to the plant. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits containing seeds, which when dispersed, can give rise to new plants. Finally, after several years, Hebe 'Wingletye' reaches the end of its life cycle and dies, potentially leaving seeds that continue its legacy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Hebe 'Wingletye', which is a cultivar of Hebe, a genus of plants native to New Zealand often known as shrubby veronicas, is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Typically, the best time to take cuttings for propagation is during midsummer to early fall. To do this, a gardener should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 3-5 inch (approximately 7.5-12.5 centimeters) length, ideally with several leaves. The lower leaves are then stripped away, and the cut end of the cutting can be dipped into a rooting hormone powder to enhance the rooting process. The cutting should be placed into a well-draining potting mixture, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are submerged. The pot should then be placed in a warm, brightly lit area but out of direct sunlight to prevent drying out, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged until the roots have developed sufficiently, which can usually take a few weeks.
