Parahebe 'Porlock' Parahebe catarractae 'Porlock'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Parahebe 'Porlock' is an evergreen perennial with a dense, spreading habit. It sports small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The foliage remains attractive throughout the year, contributing to the plant's full and lush appearance. A distinguishing feature of Parahebe 'Porlock' is its floral display. It produces numerous delicate flowers that are typically purple or violet in color, each with a small, white center that creates a striking contrast. The flowers are bell-shaped and grow in loose clusters at the tips of the branches, providing a colorful and eye-catching display from late spring to early summer. The cool-toned flowers attract various pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the liveliness of the plant. Overall, Parahebe 'Porlock' has a compact and rounded look, with its dainty blooms hovering above the neat foliage. In garden settings, it is often appreciated for its continuous greenery and the burst of color it provides during its blooming season, making it a favorable choice for garden borders and rockeries. Its hardiness and elegant appearance make it a cherished addition to many gardens, with its blooms lightly ornamenting the plant and adding a touch of whimsy to the surrounding greenery.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Parahebe 'Porlock', Waterfall Plant
Common names
Parahebe catarractae 'Porlock'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Parahebe catarractae 'Porlock', commonly known as Cascade Parahebe, is not widely recognized for being toxic to humans. There is limited information available regarding its toxicity, and it does not appear on notable lists of poisonous plants. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning have been commonly reported. However, as with any plant, individuals may experience varying degrees of sensitivity, so it is wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant material that is not known to be edible.
To pets
The Cascade Parahebe is also not widely recognized for being toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It does not typically appear on lists of plants that are poisonous to pets provided by organizations such as the ASPCA. With no well-documented toxic effects, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning commonly associated with this plant in pets. However, pet owners should always be cautious and prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption, as individual animals may have sensitivities or could potentially have an adverse reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot 12 inches (30-40 cm)
Spread
2 feet 24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Parahebe 'Porlock' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its delicate, small flowers and attractive foliage.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those with limited gardening experience.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone regions.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, preventing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Parahebe 'Porlock' are attractive to bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Versatile Landscaping: It can be used in rock gardens, borders, or as a container plant, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: With its long flowering period, it provides color and interest in the garden from late spring to early autumn.
- Frost Hardy: This plant can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Propagation Ease: Parahebe 'Porlock' can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
- Deer Resistant: It is not a preferred plant for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Illustration or Botanical Art: Parahebe 'Porlock' can be used as a subject in botanical illustration due to its delicate flowers and attractive leaves.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be utilized in education for children and adults in learning about pollination and the role of bees and other insects in gardens.
- Photography: With its picturesque blooms, Parahebe 'Porlock' can be an excellent subject for amateur and professional photographers alike.
- Theme Gardens: It can be used as part of a 'water feature' theme garden due to its name association with 'cataractae,' which hints at waterfalls.
- Boundary Plant: Due to its mounding habit, it can be used to create soft borders and edges in garden design.
- Crafting: The plant's branches and flowers can be used in floral crafts, such as wreath making or table decorations.
- Companion Planting: Parahebe 'Porlock' can be paired with other plants in the garden that have similar water and light requirements to create a harmonious ecosystem.
- Container Gardening: This plant is suitable for pots and containers on balconies or patios where garden space is limited.
- Cultural Significance: It can be cultivated to celebrate or recognize New Zealand's native flora, as Parahebe is a genus native to this region.
- Winter Interest: With its evergreen foliage, Parahebe 'Porlock' adds color and texture to gardens during the colder months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Parahebe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Parahebe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience and Adaptability: Parahebe catarractae 'Porlock', commonly known as 'Porlock', often grows in rocky terrains and slopes, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Perseverance: 'Porlock' has a robust nature, which allows it to flourish in various environments, indicating persistence and the will to overcome obstacles.
- Beauty in Simplicity: With its modest flowers and foliage, 'Porlock' symbolizes the idea that there is beauty in simplicity and a humble appearance.
- Tranquility: The 'Porlock's calming blue to violet flowers are often associated with tranquility, offering a sense of peace and calmness to its surroundings.
WaterThe Parahebe 'Porlock' prefers even moisture and should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, aim to water about once a week, providing around 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, adjusting for especially hot or dry conditions, which may require more frequent watering. Over the course of a month, this translates to approximately 4 to 6 gallons of water per plant. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant's growth slows and less moisture is required.
LightParahebe 'Porlock' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it will tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot for this plant would be in a bright, sunny garden bed or border that's protected from the harsh afternoon sun in very warm regions.
TemperatureParahebe 'Porlock' is hardy and can endure temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a range where the temperature remains above freezing. The ideal temperature for optimum growth lies between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temporary dips below freezing, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPrune Parahebe 'Porlock' to maintain its compact shape and to encourage bushier growth with more flowers. Remove any dead or damaged branches in the early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can be done after the plant has flowered to keep it tidy. The best time for a more substantial trim is immediately after its main bloom period to stimulate a fresh flush of growth.
CleaningNot needed
SoilParahebe 'Porlock' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slight acidic to neutral pH, between about 6.0 and 7.0. A mix containing equal parts of loam, sand, and peat or composted bark will support good growth. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingParahebe 'Porlock' does not have a high rate of growth, so repotting every 2 to 3 years is adequate. It's best to repot in spring if the plant is pot-bound or the soil looks exhausted.
Humidity & MistingParahebe 'Porlock' is adaptable but does well with moderate humidity. Avoid overly dry air which may require occasional misting or a pebble tray to maintain ambient moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade, sheltered from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Parahebe catarractae 'Porlock', commonly known as Porlock parahebe, begins with seed germination, triggered by the combination of warm temperatures and abundant moisture. Seedlings emerge with cotyledons, followed by development of true leaves, as they establish a root system. The vegetative stage follows, during which the plant undergoes robust growth and forms a low, mat-like structure with numerous stems and leaves. As it matures, the Porlock parahebe enters the flowering stage, producing small, delicate flowers, typically in shades of blue or violet, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the plant sets fruit, developing small capsules that release seeds once mature to complete the cycle. The Porlock parahebe is a perennial, so this process repeats annually, with the plant potentially living for several years, growing and spreading each season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Parahebe catarractae 'Porlock', commonly known as the 'Porlock' Parahebe, can be propagated most effectively through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method typically takes place during summer when the plant's growth is mature enough yet still pliable. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long from a healthy branch, ensuring a few leaves remain on the cutting. The lower end is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment but out of direct sunlight until roots have formed, which usually takes several weeks to a couple of months. Maintaining consistent moisture in the soil without overwatering is crucial during this period. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
