Hebe Leopard Hebe Leopard = 'Lowand' (Garden Beauty Series)
ABOUT
The Hebe Leopard, part of the Garden Beauty Series, is a visually striking plant that features an evergreen foliage. Its leaves are glossy and rich in color, with a deep green base that may have tinges of another hue woven through depending on the variety and the season. In the case of the Hebe Leopard, the leaves often showcase a burst of color at the tips or edges, giving it a variegated appearance that can truly stand out in a garden setting. The plant produces flowers that are small but abundant, often in shades of white, purple, or pink. These blooms are tightly clustered together, forming spikes that rise above the foliage for a noticeable contrast. The flowering season typically brings a bountiful display, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. With a well-branched structure, the Hebe Leopard presents a bushy and compact appearance, which makes it a favorite for adding texture and color contrast in mixed borders, container gardens, and as a specimen plant in landscaping designs. The combination of its decorative foliage and flower spikes creates a pleasing aesthetic that is both versatile and low maintenance, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Hebe 'Lowand', Leopard Hebe, Variegated Hebe, Garden Beauty Hebe
Common names
Hebe x andersonii 'Lowland', Hebe 'Lowland'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Hebe plant, specifically the Hebe Leopard 'Lowand', is considered to have low toxicity to humans. Generally, ingestion of this plant may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Ingesting parts of the Hebe plant might result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, although severe poisoning is unlikely. If large quantities are eaten or if symptoms are severe, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
The Hebe plant, known more commonly simply as Hebe, may also be considered to have low toxicity to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of the Hebe, they might experience similar symptoms to humans, including mild gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms are generally not severe, but if a pet consumes a significant amount of the plant or exhibits concerning symptoms, it is best to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (0.60 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.60 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Hebe Leopard is relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Compact Size: Its small, compact form is ideal for limited spaces or as part of mixed plantings in larger gardens.
- Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round interest with its evergreen leaves, maintaining garden color even in colder months.
- Attractive Flowers: Blooms with spikes of flowers that add visual appeal to the garden setting in summer months.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Hebe Leopard can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife Friendly: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for a variety of garden styles, including borders, containers, and as ground cover.
- Low Pruning Requirement: Minimal pruning is needed to maintain its shape, simplifying garden maintenance tasks.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art Projects: The colorful leaves of Hebe can be used in pressing and drying techniques to create natural art components for crafting, scrapbooking, or botanical illustrations.
- Photography Prop: Gardeners and photographers may use the vibrant Hebe as a striking background or a focal point in garden photography to add depth and interest to their images.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to their compact size and dense foliage, Hebe plants can be incorporated into miniature fairy gardens, serving as whimsical, scaled-down trees or bushes.
- Educational Tool: Hebe can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth, botany, and the importance of caring for living things.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its culinary uses, the Hebe's flowers could be used as an ornamental, non-toxic garnish for dishes, as long as it's confirmed they haven't been treated with pesticides.
- Floral Arrangements: The blooms of Hebe, which appear in summer, can be cut and added to floral arrangements for a touch of natural beauty.
- Theme Gardens: Hebe can be used in thematic garden designs, such as monochromatic gardens or gardens designed to attract butterflies and bees.
- Dye Production: Some species of Hebe have leaves that can be used to produce natural green dyes for textiles, though experimentation and safe practices are necessary due to the lack of widespread use in this application.
- Soil Erosion Control: Hebe plants can be used in landscaping to help control soil erosion due to their dense root systems that hold soil in place.
- Winter Interest: Hebe retains its leaves in winter, providing greenery and structure to otherwise dormant gardens during the colder months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hebe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hebe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Youthfulness: Named after the Greek goddess Hebe, who was the goddess of youth, the Hebe plant symbolizes eternal youth and the freshness of life.
- Unity: With its compact growth and clustered flowers, the Hebe plant can represent unity and togetherness in diversity.
- Protection: Historically, some cultures have used Hebe plants around their homes to signify protection and ward off negativity.
- Endurance: The Hebe plant, particularly in harsh climates, is known for its ability to withstand challenging conditions, symbolizing endurance and resilience.
- Variety: Existing in many varieties, including the 'Lowand', the Hebe plant can represent diversity and the abundance of life's offerings.
WaterThe Hebe 'Lowand', also known as the Leopard Hebe, should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the growing season, watering may be necessary every few days, especially in dry conditions, with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant each time. In cooler months, reduce watering frequency and volume to prevent waterlogging, providing about 1 gallon per week. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering.
LightThe Leopard Hebe thrives in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. It prefers to be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but can tolerate some light afternoon shade. A spot that offers morning sunlight with some protection from the intense sun in the afternoon is ideal.
TemperatureLeopard Hebe plants perform best in temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 75°F. They can tolerate brief periods of cold down to about 20°F but will suffer damage if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range for healthy growth is between 50°F and 70°F.
PruningThe Leopard Hebe should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in the spring after the last frost, removing any damaged or frostbitten branches. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to remove spent flower spikes and promote new blooms. Prune every year or as needed to keep the shrub tidy.
CleaningNot needed
SoilHebe plants, such as the Leopard Hebe, prefer well-draining soil with added peat or compost to ensure nutrient-richness. A pH level of slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7) is ideal for these shrubs.
RepottingLeopard Hebe doesn't need frequent repotting, usually every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingLeopard Hebe thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is also adaptable to a range of humidity conditions, provided it is not too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, away from direct heat sources.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Hebe 'Lowand', part of the Garden Beauty Series, typically begins its life as a cutting taken from a mature plant, which is then rooted in a suitable growing medium. Once established, the young plant enters a vegetative state where leaves and stems grow rapidly, given appropriate light, water, and nutrients. As it matures, the Hebe 'Lowand' will produce spikes of attractive flowers, often during the summer months, which attract pollinators and may set viable seeds if conditions are right. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially if it resides in a colder climate, where growth slows down significantly or stops during fall and winter. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the plant resumes active growth, preparing for another cycle of flowering. This cycle continues year after year, with pruning and ongoing care helping to maintain the plant's vigor and shape.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Hebe 'Lowand', also known by its common name Leopard Hebe, can be propagated primarily through semi-hardwood cuttings. This popular method usually takes place in late summer to early autumn. For this process, a gardener should select healthy, non-flowering shoots from the current season's growth. Cuttings should be about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and have the lower leaves removed. The base of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a fine-grade bark compost. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted to their final position in the garden.
