Avalanche parahebe Parahebe catarractae 'Avalanche' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Parahebe catarractae 'Avalanche' is a flowering perennial known for its decorative foliage and blooms. This garden plant features dark green, glossy leaves that often have a fine, serrated edge, lending a delicate and intricate texture to the foliage. The leaves are arranged neatly along the stems, creating a dense, mat-forming presence in the landscape. Adding to its charm, this Parahebe erupts with a profusion of flowers. The blossoms are usually small but abundant, creating a striking contrast with the greenery below. Typically, the flowers have a delicate, cup-shaped form and can range from white to pale lavender tones, which tend to draw the eye and offer a soft, pastel palette. They are often adorned with a subtle eye or flecks of contrasting hues, giving depth and interest to their display. The flowering stems rise just above the foliage, leaning gently, which may give the plant a cascading effect, especially when set on an elevated or sloping site. Visually, the 'Avalanche' cultivar can add a lush, ground-covering element to gardens, softening edges and providing a continuous cover of green and color throughout its blooming season. Its overall appearance is one of delicate charm, with the profuse blooming habit providing a sense of abundance and vitality.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Avalanche Parahebe
Common names
Parahebe catarractae 'Avalanche' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Parahebe 'Avalanche' is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information available on the toxicity of this specific cultivar, which means there are no well-documented cases of poisoning or associated symptoms from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual reactions can vary, and it is generally advisable not to ingest parts of ornamental plants due to the potential for unknown toxicities or allergic reactions.
To pets
Parahebe 'Avalanche' is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, there is a lack of information about the toxicity of this specific cultivar to animals. It is not typically listed among plants that are known to be harmful to dogs, cats, or other household pets. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the plant's fibrous material rather than specific toxic compounds. As a precaution, pet owners should prevent pets from consuming ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces a profusion of white blooms that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a long flowering season, typically from spring to summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Compact Growth Habit: Has a neat and compact form, which makes it ideal for small gardens, borders, and containers.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Evergreen Foliage: Retains its foliage year-round, providing continuous greenery and structure in the garden.
- Frost Hardy: Can tolerate low temperatures and survive mild frosts, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Versatile Use: Works well in various garden roles, including ground cover, edging, and as a feature in rockeries.
- Erosion Control: Ideal for planting on slopes or banks to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses```html
- Garden Art - Parahebe 'Avalanche' can be used to create living sculptures in gardens, due to its dense and mounding foliage providing a unique texture and shape.
- Photography Backdrops - The plant's attractive flowers and foliage can serve as a natural backdrop for outdoor photography, particularly in macro photography.
- Ecological Support - Because it attracts pollinators, Parahebe 'Avalanche' plays a role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food for bees and butterflies.
- Natural Mulch - Once trimmed, the clippings can be used as mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
- Education - Can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach about plant growth habits, pollination, and horticulture.
- Container Gardening - Ideal for adding greenery to balconies or patios when planted in containers, where ground planting is not available.
- Groundcover - It can be used as an effective groundcover, helping to prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas prone to water runoff.
- Erosion Control - Its roots help stabilize soil on banks or slopes, thereby controlling erosion in vulnerable areas.
- Therapeutic Horticulture - The act of caring for Parahebe 'Avalanche' can have therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mental well-being.
- Seasonal Decor - Its flowers and evergreen foliage provide natural and seasonal decor for autumn and winter when other plants may be dormant.
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 Parahebe 'Avalanche' often symbolizes purity due to its white flowers, evoking a sense of cleanliness and innocence.
- Serenity: With its soft foliage and gentle appearance, the plant is associated with peace and tranquility, symbolizing a calm and serene environment.
- Endurance: Given its ability to grow in rocky areas with cascading water, the plant represents endurance and the strength to thrive in challenging conditions.
- New Beginnings: The Parahebe 'Avalanche' tends to bloom in the spring, making it a symbol of new beginnings and renewal.
WaterThe Parahebe 'Avalanche', also known as Riverina Bluebell, should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon per watering for medium-sized plants. Adjust the frequency based on weather conditions; more often in hot, dry periods, and less during cooler, wetter times. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks or as needed to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering.
LightRiverina Bluebell thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun is ideal. This balance encourages vibrant foliage and abundant flowering without risking sunburn on the leaves.
TemperatureParahebe 'Avalanche', or Riverina Bluebell, prefers a temperate climate. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but prefers a range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F or above 90°F may harm the plant.
PruningPrune Riverina Bluebell in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is done to shape the plant, remove any dead or damaged wood, and encourage bushier growth. Cut back about one-third of the older stems to just above a healthy set of leaves. Pruning just after the first flush of flowers can also encourage a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Parahebe 'Avalanche', commonly known as parahebe, is well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of peat, perlite, and sandy loam is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingParahebe 'Avalanche' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & MistingParahebe 'Avalanche' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It will thrive in humidity levels typical of most homes, which usually range from 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Parahebe catarractae 'Avalanche', commonly known as "Avalanche Parahebe", begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, progresses to a seedling stage. The seedling grows into a young plant, characteristically forming a low, evergreen shrub with shining green leaves and showcasing rapid vegetative growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing attractive white flowers with purple veins typically in late spring and summer. After pollination, these flowers develop into fruits containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The Avalanche Parahebe typically enjoys a perennial life cycle, regenerating foliage each spring and can live for several years if given the proper care. In their mature stage, they may require pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth and flowering the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Parahebe catarractae 'Avalanche', commonly known as the Avalanche Parahebe, can ideally be propagated during the spring or early summer when growing conditions are optimal for root development. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is through semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate by this method, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves is taken from a healthy parent plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix. It's important to maintain a high humidity around the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be transferred to individual pots and grown on until they are ready to be planted out.
