Hebe Starlight Hebe Starlight = 'Marklight' (v)
ABOUT
Hebe Starlight, also known as 'Marklight', is a visually striking plant with a neatly rounded habit. Its foliage consists of small, glossy, evergreen leaves that display an attractive variegated pattern. The leaves are predominantly green but are bordered with cream to white edges, which can give the foliage an overall light appearance, especially when viewed from a distance. This variegation adds a luminous quality to the plant year-round. During the blooming season, Hebe Starlight produces an abundance of flowers that contrast beautifully against the variegated foliage. The flowers are small, tightly clustered, and sit atop slender spikes that rise above the leaves. These blooms are usually a soft lilac or pale purple color, adding a delicate touch of color to the plant. When in flower, the plant becomes particularly attractive, casting a light, airy look that can brighten up any garden space. The overall appearance of Hebe Starlight is compact and dense, making it a favored choice for gardeners who want to add structure and interest to their plantings without the plant becoming too dominant. Its decorative features and contrasting colors make it versatile for various landscaping uses, such as borders, container planting, or as an accent in a mixed garden bed. The combination of its foliage and blooms lends Hebe Starlight a charm that's both subtle and sophisticated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Starlight Hebe, Marklight Hebe
Common names
Hebe x franciscana 'Blue Gem', Hebe 'Blue Gem', Hebe speciosa 'Blue Gem'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Hebe plant is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence to suggest typical symptoms of poisoning upon ingesting parts of the Hebe. However, as with any non-culinary plant, individual sensitivities can occur, and it is advisable to avoid ingestion and seek medical advice if any adverse reactions are experienced after handling or accidental ingestion.
To pets
The Hebe plant is also generally considered to be non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. It is not known to cause serious poisoning in animals. However, pets may still experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of this plant, as they might with any non-food item. If you notice your pet has ingested Hebe and is showing signs of distress, consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Hebe 'Starlight' exhibits vibrant, variegated leaves that enhance visual interest in gardens and landscapes.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it suitable for use in containers, borders, and small garden spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen shrub that provides color and structure throughout all seasons.
- Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden styles including rock gardens, coastal gardens, and informal cottage settings.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to increase their stock and share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- A natural dye: The leaves of the Hebe plant can be used to produce a natural green dye for fabrics or crafts, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Plant markers: The woody stems of older Hebe plants can be repurposed as garden markers or stakes after pruning, which helps you keep track of what you've planted where.
- Insect repellent: Some people believe that the aromatic foliage of the Hebe may help deter certain garden pests when planted among vegetables or other plants.
- Creative arts and crafts: Dried Hebe flowers can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or potpourri to add a decorative touch and slight fragrance to your home.
- Photography subject: With their striking foliage and flowers, Hebe plants can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography and art.
- Educational tool: Schools or educational gardens can use the Hebe to teach students about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of plants.
- Landscape design: Hebe plants can be shaped and trimmed to create low hedges or borders in landscaping, adding structure to garden designs.
- Watercolor painting: The varied colors of the Hebe flowers and leaves can provide inspiration and actual pigments for watercolor artists.
- Miniature gardens: Due to their compact size, Hebe plants are well suited for use in fairy gardens or as part of a miniature garden display.
- Habitat creation: When planted in groups, Hebes can provide shelter for small beneficial insects or creatures, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hebe plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hebe plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Youthfulness: Hebe is the Greek goddess of youth, and the plant is named after her. It personifies the freshness and vitality that are often associated with younger stages of life.
- Eternal Youth: Closely tied to the notion of youthfulness, Hebe plants, with their perennial nature and long-lasting blooms, symbolize the desire for life to remain perpetually vibrant and youthful.
- Rejuvenation: Hebe plants are known to flower prolifically even after being cut back, making them a symbol for recovery and the ability to thrive again after a setback.
WaterHebe 'Starlight', also known as Shrubby Veronica, should be watered regularly during its growing season, typically in spring and summer, to maintain evenly moist soil. In general, it requires watering once every week with about 1 gallon of water, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. Always check the top couple of inches of soil for dryness before watering. During winter, reduce watering frequency to every other week as Hebe 'Starlight' is less active and the soil retains moisture longer. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
LightHebe 'Starlight' thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden spots. The ideal location receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates to prevent scorching of the leaves. A spot that gets 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day is optimal for encouraging vibrant foliage and flower production.
TemperatureHebe 'Starlight' prefers temperate climates and can tolerate a range of temperature conditions. It generally does well in temperatures between 35°F and 85°F. It can survive brief periods of colder weather down to about 20°F but should be protected from prolonged freezing temperatures to ensure survival and health.
PruningPruning Hebe 'Starlight' helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Light pruning can be done anytime to remove dead or damaged branches. For shaping, the best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. Typically, an annual trim is enough, but if the plant becomes leggy or too large, additional light pruning throughout the year is acceptable.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHebes prefer well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand to encourage good drainage and aeration. The ideal pH level for Hebe 'Starlight' should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingHebe 'Starlight' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it has outgrown its current pot, to ensure adequate room for root growth and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingHebe 'Starlight' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity typical of outdoor environments, avoiding extremes of dry air or overly damp conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate humidity, and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Hebe Starlight, often called just Hebe, begins with seed germination, which requires a warm and moist environment. Once the seedling emerges, it enters a vegetative growth phase, developing a root system and foliage. As it matures, the Hebe transitions to the flowering stage, typically in late spring or summer, producing its characteristic white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed, either naturally or through human intervention. The plant continues to grow and may enter a period of dormancy in colder climates during winter months, reducing growth until conditions become favorable again. The Hebe Starlight can live for several years, going through multiple cycles of flowering and seed production within its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hebe 'Starlight' can be propagated primarily through semi-hardwood cuttings. A popular time to take these cuttings is in late summer to early fall, when new growth has started to mature and harden slightly. To propagate, select a healthy stem and make a cut just below a leaf node, ensuring the cutting is about 3-5 inches long. Remove the lower leaves, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Hebe 'Starlight' plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
