Torrent Parahebe Parahebe catarractae 'Delight'
ABOUT
The Parahebe catarractae 'Delight', more commonly known as Parahebe, showcases a charming and lush appearance, characterized by a dense spread of glossy, dark green foliage. Each leaf is small and oval-shaped, with hints of a softer green, giving it a fresh and vibrant look throughout the year. The plant produces a delightful display of flowers which significantly add to its ornamental appeal. The blooms are typically arranged in small, delicate clusters and have a gentle, yet striking, purple or violet hue. Each dainty flower petals are rounded, giving the clusters a soft and inviting appearance. Parahebe 'Delight' possesses a somewhat mounded and sprawling habit, presenting a generous coverage of foliage and flowers. Its stems are slender and may gently arch, lending to the plant's overall graceful and slightly cascading presentation. The flowering season of Parahebe 'Delight' introduces an enchanting spectacle, when the plant becomes dotted with these eye-catching floral gems, attracting both visual admiration and the company of pollinators such as bees and butterflies who are enticed by the blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Torrent Bay Parahebe, Waterfall Parahebe, Delight Parahebe
Common names
Parahebe 'Delight'
ToxicityTo humans
Parahebe is not widely known for its toxicity to humans, and there is limited information available on the specific cultivar 'Delight'. However, as a general precaution, it is not advisable to ingest any part of garden ornamental plants unless they are known to be edible. If Parahebe were poisonous, symptoms could potentially include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as possible dermatitis from skin contact with the sap. It is always best to consult with a medical professional or a poison control center if any part of the plant is ingested or if symptoms arise.
To pets
Parahebe is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets, and there is limited information regarding its toxicity for the specific cultivar 'Delight'. As with humans, pets should not ingest parts of ornamental plants that are not identified as safe. If Parahebe were found to be toxic, symptoms in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly more severe reactions depending on the quantity ingested and the pet's size and health. If a pet ingests any part of this plant and shows adverse symptoms, it is essential to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
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- Attracts Pollinators: Parahebe 'Delight' is known to attract bees and butterflies, thereby promoting pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy plant requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate dry periods making it ideal for xeriscaping or regions with water restrictions.
- Long Blooming: This plant has a long blooming season, providing flowers from spring to summer for extended garden interest.
- Ground Cover: The spreading habit of Parahebe 'Delight' makes it an excellent ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its pretty blue flowers and evergreen foliage, it adds visual appeal to garden borders, rockeries, or as a specimen plant.
- Cold Hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Compact Growth: Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens, containers, or limited spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Parahebe 'Delight' can be utilized in fairy gardens due to its compact growth habit, which adds a whimsical touch resembling miniature landscapes.
- The plant's drought-resistant nature makes it suitable for xeriscaping, which helps in creating low-maintenance and water-wise garden designs.
- It can serve as an educational tool in botanical and horticultural studies for those learning about alpine and subalpine flora, as Parahebe 'Delight' is native to such environments in New Zealand.
- The colorful blooms can be used in floral art, adding delicate texture and soft purplish hues to arrangements and bouquets.
- Parahebe 'Delight' is appropriate for planting in green roofing projects, where its low-growing nature and tolerance of tough conditions can enhance the biodiversity of a green roof.
- Beekeepers might plant Parahebe 'Delight' to provide bees with a valuable nectar source during its blooming period, assisting in maintaining healthy bee populations.
- As a ground cover, the plant helps in soil retention on slopes and banks, preventing erosion by stabilizing the soil with its root system.
- Gardeners can use it as a natural border to define pathways or garden sections, with its neat growth pattern creating clear delineation.
- The plant's textured leaves and dense growth can be utilized in sensory gardens, offering a tactile experience for visitors to such landscapes.
- Parahebe 'Delight' can be employed in container gardens, where its cascading foliage and flowers enhance the visual appeal of potted arrangements on patios or balconies.
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: Parahebe catarractae 'Delight', commonly known as Parahebe, often symbolizes purity due to its delicate white flowers that evoke a sense of cleanliness and innocence.
- Serenity: The subtle hues and gentle appearance of Parahebe can represent tranquility, reflecting a peaceful and serene environment.
- Endurance: Despite its delicate appearance, Parahebe is known for its ability to survive in rocky terrains and cascading water, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure challenging conditions.
WaterThe Parahebe catarractae 'Delight', commonly known as the Torrent Parahebe, generally prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is important not to overwater, so a deep watering every week during the growing season is advisable. During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the humidity and temperature levels. One to two gallons of water should suffice for each watering session, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Always allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
LightParahebe catarractae 'Delight', also known as Torrent Parahebe, thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to protect the plant from scorching. The ideal location is one where the plant can enjoy bright, indirect light that mimics its natural environment.
TemperatureTorrent Parahebe does best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, making it relatively cold-hardy. The ideal temperature range would be between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy growth. Always try to protect the plant from extreme temperature swings and harsh conditions to keep it thriving.
PruningTorrent Parahebe benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage. It is best pruned in early spring or after it has finished flowering. Pruning too late in the season can reduce the number of blooms for the next year. Trim back up to one-third of the plant to promote healthy new growth, removing any dead or damaged stems in the process. Pruning once a year is typically sufficient for maintaining its appearance and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Parahebe or Borderstone should be well-draining with some organic matter added. The optimal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from pH 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingBorderstone should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the current container, to ensure sustained growth and health.
Humidity & MistingBorderstone prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleParahebe catarractae 'Delight', commonly known as Parahebe 'Delight', begins life as a seed, germinating in moist, well-drained soil with adequate warmth and light. Upon sprouting, the seedling develops a small rosette of leaves and a root system that establishes itself in the soil. As it matures into a vegetative stage, Parahebe 'Delight' grows larger leaves and stems, eventually forming a low, mounded shrub that spreads outward. The flowering stage emerges in late spring or early summer when it produces clusters of small, bluish-purple flowers with white centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In ideal conditions, the plant will continue to grow and may live for several years, during which time it may undergo periodic pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Parahebe catarractae 'Delight', commonly known as Cascade Parahebe, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take these cuttings for successful rooting is during late summer to early autumn. To propagate, one should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3 to 5 inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) length, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be stripped off, and the cut end can optionally be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring good drainage. The pot should be kept moist, in a warm place with indirect light until roots have developed, after which the young plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden during the following spring.
