Hebe Bronze Glow Hebe Bronze Glow = 'Lowglo' (Garden Beauty Series)
ABOUT
The Hebe 'Bronze Glow' is a visually appealing ornamental shrub known for its vibrant foliage and flowers. The leaves have a distinctive color transition, starting as bronze-red when young and gradually maturing to a deeper green, maintaining hints of their reddish undertone. This creates a striking contrast throughout the plant as the leaves intermingle. During the blooming period, the Hebe 'Bronze Glow' becomes adorned with short spikes of purple or violet flowers that stand out against the darker foliage. The blossoms are small and tubular, arranged densely along the spike, creating a lush display that can add a pop of color and visual interest to a garden setting. Over time, the visual appeal of the 'Bronze Glow' changes with the seasons, displaying shifts in color that highlight the dynamic nature of this garden beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Hebe 'Bronze Glow', Hebe 'Lowglo', Garden Beauty Hebe.
Common names
Hebe 'Lowglo'
ToxicityTo humans
The Hebe plant, commonly known as Hebe, does not have a widespread reputation for being toxic to humans. It is generally considered non-toxic and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from this plant. Ingesting parts of the Hebe plant is unlikely to cause any serious symptoms in humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions are possible, so it's always a good practice to handle plants with care and not consume plant material that is not confirmed as edible.
To pets
The Hebe plant is also not known to be toxic to pets. There is no specific information on the Hebe causing poisoning in domestic animals such as cats and dogs. Pets that ingest parts of the Hebe plant are unlikely to experience serious health issues as a result of the ingestion. However, it's important to monitor your pet and consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms or behaviors occur after ingestion, as individual animals may have unique sensitivities or reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Hebe Bronze Glow is a low-maintenance plant that thrives without much fuss, 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.
- All-Season Interest: With its bronze-colored foliage, it provides visual interest throughout the year, even in winter.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Compact Size: The plant's small stature makes it perfect for use in smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border.
- Versatile Usage: It can be used in a variety of garden situations, including beds, borders, containers, and as ground cover.
- Minimal Pruning Required: It keeps its shape well, requiring minimal pruning to stay tidy.
- Evergreen Foliage: As an evergreen, it keeps its leaves all year round, ensuring constant foliage cover.
- Low Risk of Pests and Diseases: The plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, contributing to its easy-care nature.
- Suitable for Coastal Gardens: It is tolerant of salty air, making it ideal for coastal locations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The captivating colors of Hebe 'Lowglo' can serve as a muse for painters and digital artists seeking to capture its unique hue and structure in their artwork.
- Educational tool: Botany teachers may use the Hebe 'Lowglo' as a living specimen to demonstrate plant biology, growth patterns, and adaptation in varying climates to students.
- Photography subject: Due to its striking appearance, the Hebe 'Lowglo' is an excellent subject for photographers specializing in plant and garden imagery.
- Natural dye source: The richly colored foliage of the Hebe 'Lowglo' could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, though experimentation may be required to develop a practical method.
- Miniature gardens: This compact shrub can be a central feature in miniature and fairy gardens, adding a touch of bronze beauty to whimsical landscapes.
- Culinary decoration: While not edible, the foliage of the Hebe 'Lowglo' can be used to add an ornamental touch to culinary presentations in high-end dining establishments.
- Green roofing: Its low-growing habit and hardiness make the Hebe 'Lowglo' suitable for incorporation into green roof designs where it can contribute to the insulation and biodiversity of a building.
- Seasonal arrangements: The leaves can be included in fall floral arrangements or wreaths to add a lasting splash of color through the autumn months.
- Ecological studies: The Hebe 'Lowglo' can be a subject of ecological research, particularly in studying plant-insect interactions or in exploring its role in supporting local biodiversity.
- Corporate branding: Companies with environmentally themed brands might use the image of the Hebe 'Lowglo' in their marketing materials to represent growth and eco-friendliness.
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- Everlasting Beauty: The Hebe 'Lowglo' is known for its attractive foliage throughout the year which symbolizes the concept of enduring or everlasting beauty.
- Strength: This hardy plant can withstand various conditions, symbolizing resilience and strength in adversity.
- Youthfulness: Hebes in general are associated with youth due to their fresh, lush appearance, and the 'Lowglo' variety is no exception, representing a youthful spirit.
- Transformation: The changing colors of the 'Lowglo' leaves from bronze to green can symbolize transformation and adaptability in life.
WaterThe Hebe 'Lowglo', commonly known as Veronica, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season in spring and summer, this may mean watering approximately once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. Ensure that the plant receives about 1/2 to 1 gallon of water at each interval to saturate the root zone properly. It's important not to let the soil remain waterlogged as it can cause root rot. In the winter months, reduce watering frequency to every couple of weeks or less, depending on the plant's environment and humidity levels.
LightVeronica thrives best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot is where the plant can enjoy at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, too little light may result in less dense foliage and fewer blooms. Avoid excessively dark conditions to maintain its vibrant foliage and overall health.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the Veronica plant is between 60°F and 70°F during the day, with nighttime temperatures not falling below 50°F. The plant can survive short periods of cooler temperatures down to about 30°F, but frost or prolonged cold can damage or kill the plant. Always strive for conditions within the ideal temperature range for the plant's best growth and flowering potential.
PruningPruning Veronica is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and promote more prolific blooming. Prune lightly in the early spring to remove any damaged or dead foliage and to shape the plant. A more thorough pruning can be done immediately after the main flowering period has ended, typically in late summer or early fall, to rejuvenate the plant and maintain a compact form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHebe 'Lowglo' (Garden Beauty Series) thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of compost, peat, and perlite. This shrub prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingHebe 'Lowglo' generally requires repotting every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Springtime is the best season for repotting to allow for the plant to establish in the growing period.
Humidity & MistingHebe 'Lowglo' prefers moderate to high humidity levels. It is tolerant of outdoor conditions but if grown indoors, ensure sufficient humidity by using a pebble tray or occasionally misting the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a well-lit area, away from direct heat sources.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleHebe 'Bronze Glow' begins its life as a seed, germinating in favorable conditions with adequate warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges, developing into a juvenile plant with pairs of true leaves, growing steadily as it becomes established. As it matures, it forms a compact, evergreen shrub with characteristic bronzy-green foliage, transitioning to orange-red in the cold. The adult Hebe 'Bronze Glow' blooms in summer to early autumn, producing violet-purple flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, it sets seed, which can be dispersed to form new plants, while the parent plant can continue to grow for several years. Throughout its life, Hebe 'Bronze Glow' will undergo periods of growth and dormancy, responding to seasonal changes in temperature and daylight.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Hebe 'Bronze Glow', which belongs to the Garden Beauty Series, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is from summer to early fall, when new growth has somewhat matured but is not fully hardened. To propagate, cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length of stem with several leaves attached. Strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root development. Then, place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots develop, a process that typically takes a few weeks.
