Turquoise Parahebe Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne'
ABOUT
Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' is a striking plant known for its decorative qualities and resilience in various garden environments. This plant typically boasts a dense, bushy appearance, characterized by a profusion of small, glossy, green leaves which provide a lush, evergreen backdrop throughout the year. The leaves are typically oval-shaped with smooth edges, and they are arranged closely together, lending the plant a full, robust look. One of the most captivating features of Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' is its flowering habit. The flowers bloom in clusters, displaying a delightful contrast against the green foliage. Each delicate flower typically has a bell or cup shape, inviting a closer look. The petals are often a soft violet-blue or lavender color, with subtle veining that adds texture and depth to the floral display. At the center of these blossoms, one may notice light-colored stamens that protrude slightly, giving an added dimension of detail to the overall floral presentation. The flowering season of Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' brings a splash of color to gardens when many other plants may not be in bloom, providing visual interest and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. This plant is not only prized for its aesthetic appeal but also for its low maintenance nature, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking to add enduring beauty to their landscapes without significant upkeep.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Alpine Parahebe, Spreading Parahebe, Parahebe 'Julie-Anne'
Common names
Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne'.
ToxicityTo humans
There is very limited specific information available on the toxicity of Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' to humans, often referred to simply as Parahebe. Most members of the Parahebe genus are not known to be dangerously toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset if they ingest plant material. Without specific data on this variety, it is always prudent to exercise caution and keep the plant out of reach of children who might ingest it out of curiosity.
To pets
Similar to the information available for humans, there is no widely recognized evidence to suggest that the Parahebe plant is highly toxic to pets. Nevertheless, pets, especially cats and dogs, may have different sensitivities to plants than humans do. While Parahebe is not listed amongst the most commonly toxic plants for pets, ingestion can still potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the novelty and irritation of the plant material in their digestive system. It's always a good practice to monitor your pets around plants and prevent them from chewing on or ingesting plant material when the plant's toxicity is not conclusively known. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Parahebe plant and is showing symptoms of distress, contact your veterinarian for advice.
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its delicate blue to violet flowers and evergreen foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Demands little care beyond occasional pruning to keep its shape and encourage blooming.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Cold Hardy: It can tolerate frost and cold conditions to a reasonable degree, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for covering bare spots and controlling erosion.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering season from spring to summer, providing color for an extended period.
- Compact Size: Its smaller size makes it ideal for planting in borders, containers, or small garden spaces.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, which can help to reduce garden damage in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rock Gardens: The compact growth habit of Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' makes it a suitable choice for rock gardens, providing a low-maintenance ground cover that can accommodate rocky and well-drained soils.
- Butterfly Gardens: The flowers of Parahebe lyallii can attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, making it a wonderful addition to butterfly gardens.
- Erosion Control: Due to its dense and spreading nature, Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' can be used on slopes or banks to help prevent soil erosion.
- Bonsai: Some gardeners may use Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' in bonsai culture, appreciating its fine foliage and potential for miniature landscaping.
- Container Gardening: Its compact size and attractive blooms make it a good candidate for container gardening, adding charm to balconies, patios, or small outdoor spaces.
- Photography Prop: The delicate flowers and foliage of Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' can serve as a beautiful backdrop or subject in plant photography.
- Edging Plants: The tidy growth form and attractive foliage make it suitable for use as an edging plant along walkways or garden borders.
- Theme Gardens: Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' can be incorporated into specific theme gardens, such as alpine or xeriscape gardens, due to its tolerance of dry conditions once established.
- Fairy Gardens: Its small stature and dainty flowers can make it an enchanting addition to fairy gardens, miniature scenes created for whimsical effect.
- Ground Cover: When planted in mass, Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' can provide a lush ground cover, reducing the need for mulches and suppressing weed growth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiParahebe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityParahebe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne', commonly known as Parahebe, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive in rocky, alpine environments where conditions can be challenging.
- Purity: The typically white or pale colored flowers of the plant may represent purity and innocence.
- Serenity: Its delicate blossoms and compact growth habit can be associated with tranquility and peace.
- Adaptability: The plant's versatile nature, being able to adapt to various soil types, stands for adaptability and flexibility in life.
WaterThe Alpine Parahebe, commonly known as Parahebe 'Julie-anne', should be watered regularly to maintain moist but well-drained soil, particularly during its growing season in spring and summer. Generally, watering once a week with 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should suffice, depending on the climate and weather conditions. It's important to reduce watering in the fall and winter to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering and adjust your schedule accordingly to ensure the plant's health.
LightAlpine Parahebe or Parahebe 'Julie-anne' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a spot where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense, potentially damaging sunlight. Ensure the location receives bright, indirect light for the remainder of the day for optimal growth.
TemperatureParahebe 'Julie-anne', also known as Alpine Parahebe, can tolerate a broad range of temperatures but ideally thrives in conditions between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods of colder weather down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from harsh frosts. Warmer, temperate climates are preferred for this plant to flourish.
PruningAlpine Parahebe, or Parahebe 'Julie-anne', benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. Prune lightly after the plant has flowered, usually in late spring or early summer, removing any spent blooms and shaping the plant as desired. If necessary, annual pruning can include cutting back up to one-third of the plant to rejuvenate and encourage vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilParahebe, commonly known as Mountain Foxglove, prefers well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, compost, and grit or perlite to promote aeration. A suitable pH range for this plant is between neutral to slightly acidic, typically around pH 6.5 to 7.2. It is important to provide organic matter to enrich the soil and ensure good drainage.
RepottingMountain Foxglove should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It is best to check the plant in spring and repot if necessary to encourage healthy growth and bloom. Use a new soil mixture that matches the preferred requirements when repotting.
Humidity & MistingMountain Foxglove fares well in moderate humidity levels but does not require high humidity. It is more important to focus on adequate soil moisture rather than air humidity for this plant. Normal indoor humidity is typically sufficient for growing Mountain Foxglove.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-drained soil; mulch.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleParahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne', commonly known as Parahebe 'Julie-anne', begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late spring or early summer, requiring well-drained soil and some environmental moisture. Seedlings establish a root system and foliage during their first growing season, developing into young plants. As they mature, Parahebe 'Julie-anne' forms a low, compact shrub with evergreen foliage, typically reaching its full size within a couple of years. During late spring and summer, it enters its reproductive phase, producing clusters of small, delicate flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed in late summer or autumn, ready to start a new cycle. The plant's lifespan may vary, but with proper care and favorable conditions, it can live and thrive for many years, remaining mostly evergreen and flowering annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Parahebe lyallii 'Julie-anne' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in the later part of summer. To propagate, a grower would choose a healthy stem and cut a section that includes several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a sterile, well-draining potting mix. The environment should stay humid, which is often achieved by placing a plastic cover over the cutting or by using a mist system. Consistent moisture and warmth are maintained until roots have formed and the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less protected conditions before planting out.
