Snowcap Parahebe Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap'
ABOUT
The Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap', commonly known as simply 'Snowcap', is a small, mat-forming evergreen perennial that boasts a dense foliage of spoon-shaped, glossy green leaves which remain attractive throughout the year. The plant is named for its striking floral display, which most notably features an abundance of small, cup-shaped white flowers. These blooms have a delicate charm with refined petals arranged in a way that somewhat resembles a snowfield, perfectly fitting the 'Snowcap' moniker. The blossoms appear on short spikes that rise elegantly above the foliage, creating a contrast between the purity of the white flowers and the dark green leaves. This attractive combination makes the 'Snowcap' a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and a sense of alpine beauty to their gardens. The overall form of the plant is low and mounding, giving it a tidy appearance that suits rock gardens and border fronts, as well as being suitable for container planting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Snowcap Parahebe, Dwarf Parahebe
Common names
Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap', commonly known as Parahebe, is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on the toxicity of this specific cultivar, and it is not commonly reported to cause poisoning. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur. If symptoms arise after ingesting any part of the Parahebe, it would be wise to consult a medical professional.
To pets
The Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap', commonly known as Parahebe, is also not widely known to be toxic to pets. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in animals like cats and dogs from ingestion of this plant. As with humans, pets can have individual allergic reactions or sensitivities, so if any adverse symptoms are observed after your pet consumes any part of the Parahebe, you should contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces dainty white blooms that add visual interest to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it a good choice for dry climate gardens.
- Compact Growth: With its small and compact growth habit, it's an excellent option for small gardens or borders.
- Evergreen Foliage: Offers year-round greenery, providing continuous color and texture in the landscape.
- Cold Hardy: It can survive in cooler climates, making it a versatile plant for various garden zones.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil, which can be beneficial on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Ground Cover: Spreads to form a mat-like coverage, which can help suppress weeds and cover bare spots.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings economically.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edging in Gardens: The dense foliage and white flowers of Snowcap make it an excellent choice for creating defined edges along garden paths or flower beds.
- Rock Gardens: Its compact growth habit and tolerance to some drought make Snowcap suitable for adding texture and interest to rock gardens.
- Container Planting: Snowcap can be grown in containers where its cascading habit can be showcased on patios, balconies, or terraces.
- Ground Cover: When planted in mass, Snowcap serves as an effective ground cover, filling in areas and reducing weed growth.
- Bee Attraction: The blooms of Snowcap are known to attract bees, which can help in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Butterfly Gardens: Adding Snowcap to a butterfly garden can provide a nectar source for a variety of butterflies.
- Alpine Plant Displays: Due to its hardiness, Snowcap can be used in alpine plant displays to mimic its native mountainous habitat.
- Fairy Gardens: Its small stature and delicate flowers make Snowcap an enchanting addition to whimsical fairy gardens.
- Focal Point Planting: When used in a mixed border, the striking white blooms of Snowcap can serve as a focal point during its flowering season.
- Wildlife Habitat: When allowed to grow naturally, the thick foliage can provide shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Parahebe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Parahebe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'Snowcap' variety of Parahebe lyallii is known for its white flowers, which commonly symbolize purity, innocence, and cleanliness, reflecting the unblemished appearance of snow.
- Tranquility: Given its natural habitat and the calming effect of its white flowers, this plant can represent peace and tranquility, echoing the serene landscapes of alpine regions where it thrives.
- Endurance: As a plant that can withstand cold environments, Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap' may symbolize the ability to endure challenges and harsh conditions.
- Simplicity: The simple yet elegant beauty of the white flowers can indicate a preference for simplicity and an appreciation for understated elegance.
WaterParahebe 'Snowcap' prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, but not excessively. During the growing season, ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Reduce watering in the winter months to prevent root rot. If the plant is in a container, water until the excess drains from the bottom, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. A good method to follow would be to check the soil moisture with your finger and water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
LightParahebe 'Snowcap' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, it can also perform well in a bit of shade, especially in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. Avoid deep shade as it may lead to poor flowering and leggy growth.
TemperatureParahebe 'Snowcap' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F without significant damage. However, the ideal temperature for promoting growth and flowering lies between 60°F and 75°F. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch or bringing containers indoors if temperatures fall below the minimum threshold.
PruningParahebe 'Snowcap' benefits from light pruning to maintain its shape and to encourage dense growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing any dead or damaged branches and shaping as required. Occasional deadheading during the flowering season can promote additional blooms. Pruning every year or every other year is typically adequate for maintaining a tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnowcap prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and aeration for the roots.
RepottingSnowcap, also known as Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap', should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Repotting is best done in the spring.
Humidity & MistingSnowcap thrives in moderate humidity levels, similar to what is found in most homes. Extreme humidity is not necessary, and it tolerates drier air well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Snowcap in bright, indirect light, and water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant Snowcap in partial shade to full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap', commonly known as Snowcap, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions. Following germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a rosette of leaves at ground level. As they mature, these perennials establish a sturdy root system and form a mounded shape with dense, evergreen foliage. The Snowcap enters its flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing small, white or pale blue flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during winter, reducing its growth activities before the cycle begins anew with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Parahebe lyallii 'Snowcap', commonly known as Snowcap Parahebe, is most effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is from late summer to early autumn when the growth from the current season has begun to mature but is not fully hardened. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, and the lower leaves removed to expose a clean stem which can be inserted into a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. To enhance root development, dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone before planting can be beneficial. The cuttings should be kept in a warm area with indirect light and maintained moist until roots have developed, after which they can be potted individually.
