Shrubby Veronica Hebe 'Youngii'
ABOUT
Hebe 'Youngii' is a visually appealing evergreen shrub with a rounded, compact, and bushy growth habit. This garden favorite boasts glossy, deep green leaves that are broadly lance-shaped, giving the plant a lush, full appearance throughout the year. During the blooming period, Hebe 'Youngii' becomes even more striking thanks to its delicate, violet-blue flower spikes. These flowers neatly cluster at the terminal ends of the stems, contrasting beautifully with the dark foliage and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. The overall effect of its foliage and flowers creates a versatile plant that can serve as a focal point in mixed borders, as a stand-alone specimen, or in containers where its charming form and color can be appreciated up close. It is important to note that as seasonal changes occur, the intensity of the foliage and flowers may vary, contributing to the dynamic visual interest of Hebe 'Youngii' throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Young's Hebe, Veronica Youngii
Common names
Hebe 'Youngii'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hebe 'Youngii', commonly known as simply Hebe, is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, it's always important to be cautious and prevent ingestion of any garden plants as they can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. There is little documentation of severe toxicity from Hebes to humans, but as with any non-food plant, it's best to avoid consuming any part of it.
To pets
Hebe 'Youngii', known commonly as Hebe, does not have a well-documented history of toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. While it is unlikely to cause severe poisoning, ingesting plant material can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, especially in pets with sensitive stomachs. It's always prudent to discourage pets from eating non-food plants to avoid any potential adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Hebe 'Youngii' has glossy, green leaves that add a lush, vibrant appearance to garden spaces.
- Flowers for Pollinators: The plant produces blooms that attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Maintain: Hebe 'Youngii' requires minimal pruning and is relatively low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Disease Resistance: It is resistant to many common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen foliage, Hebe 'Youngii' provides visual interest throughout all seasons.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, or as ground cover.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Hebe 'Youngii' can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for water-conservative gardens.
- Compact Growth Habit: Its small size and compact form is perfect for gardens with limited space or for use in mixed container planting.
- Coastal Suitability: It is tolerant of salty air and can thrive in coastal 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: Hebe 'Youngii', due to its compact habit and small leaves, can be trimmed and trained into miniature topiaries for decorative purposes in gardens or on patios.
- Bonsai: The shrub can be used to create a bonsai, offering an alternative to traditional bonsai species with its dense foliage and ability to tolerate pruning.
- Butterfly Garden Addition: Hebe 'Youngii' can be incorporated into butterfly gardens to provide nectar for pollinators, aiding in the support of local butterfly populations.
- Photography Prop: The dense, rounded shape and lush green foliage provide a lovely backdrop or focus for garden photography.
- Green Roof Planting: This plant's tolerance for tough conditions makes it suitable for green roofing projects where it can contribute to creating a living roof.
- Landscape Edging: Its mounding form can be used as a natural edge or border in landscaping designs.
- Slope Stabilization: Hebe 'Youngii' can be planted on slopes to help with soil erosion control due to its root system and ground-covering nature.
- Fairy Gardens: The small stature and dense foliage make it an ideal candidate for use in fairy gardens, creating a whimsical miniature landscape.
- Thematic Gardens: Can be included in maritime-themed gardens due to the Hebe genus’ association with New Zealand and coastal environments.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings such as schools or community gardens to demonstrate pruning techniques and garden maintenance.
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: As the name 'Youngii' suggests, this plant is often associated with youth and rejuvenation, embodying the fresh, vibrant energy that comes with young life.
- Everlasting love: Hebe was the goddess of youth in Greek mythology and cupbearer to the gods, signifying an eternal devotion, which the plant also captures through its long-lasting blooms.
- Endurance: Known for its hardiness, the Hebe 'Youngii' represents the ability to withstand tough conditions and symbolizes the resilience to persist through challenges.
- Unity: With its rounded, dense shape, the Hebe 'Youngii' can symbolize the closeness and unity of family or community, evoking a sense of solidarity and support.
- Protection: Many cultures see evergreen plants like Hebe as symbols of protection, representing safety and the wards against negative energies.
WaterShrubby veronicas, including Hebe 'Youngii', should be watered regularly, but it's crucial to avoid overwatering. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. In the warmer months, you might need to water the plant using approximately one gallon per week, especially if the weather is very hot. During the fall and winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or less, as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightShrubby veronicas thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Place the plant in a spot where it can enjoy morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day. If planted indoors, a south-facing window is usually a good option for adequate light exposure.
TemperatureShrubby veronicas prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature conditions for the plant to thrive are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages healthy growth and flowering.
PruningShrubby veronicas benefit from pruning to maintain their bushy appearance and encourage new growth. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged branches and shaping as desired. Additionally, after the plant flowers, you can deadhead the spent blooms to keep the plant looking tidy and potentially encourage a second bloom. Pruning is typically needed once a year, or after flowering cycles.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hebe 'Youngii', commonly known as Young's hebe, should be well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite is often recommended to ensure good drainage and aeration. Add compost to enrich the soil with organic matter.
RepottingYoung's hebe does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every two to three years, or when it has outgrown its current pot. It is best to repot in the spring just before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingYoung's hebe prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. While it can tolerate some dry air, maintaining a humidity level around 50% is ideal for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Young's hebe near a sunny window; water moderately.
Outdoor
Young’s hebe thrives in full sun or part shade; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleHebe 'Youngii', commonly known as a cultivar of Shrubby Veronicas, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in well-draining soil and under appropriate temperature and moisture conditions. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the development of a basic root system and the first few sets of true leaves, during which the plant is particularly delicate and requires consistent care. As the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, it rapidly increases in size, develops a branching structure, and produces a dense foliage cover typical of Hebe species. During the flowering stage, which usually occurs in the summer, Hebe 'Youngii' produces small, attractive flowers that can range in color depending on the particular cultivar, attracting pollinators and sometimes resulting in seed production if conditions are favorable. After flowering, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, with reduced growth and metabolic activity to conserve energy. Throughout its lifetime, which can be several years with proper care, Hebe 'Youngii' may be pruned to maintain shape and encourage new growth, and may undergo multiple cycles of vegetative growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Hebe 'Youngii', commonly known as Young's hebe, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer, when the current season's growth has started to harden but is not yet completely woody. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and include several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the surface. The pot should be placed in a warm environment with indirect light and kept moist. Roots usually develop within several weeks, after which the plants can be potted up individually.
