HEBE

I would like to add some evergreen shrubs to different areas of my new garden. I like the looks of the leathery plants that you see in established gardens. I think they are called Hebes. I do not have much time for the garden so they would have to be easy to look after, would they be OK?

One plant that we do see in abundance here in Inishowen is the Hebe. These plants have stood the test of time and are well able to cope with both our summers and our winters. The plants originated from New Zealand, Australia and South America and would be more than at home in your garden. There are loads of different types to choose from, whether you want a large formal hedge or a small variety for use in a dry rockery. The flowering period can be quite long and some varieties actually produce blooms twice a year. The colours range from white through pink to blue and purple. It was the purple types that were first planted because they were thought to be the hardiest, but all of the other coloured shrubs are as tough. The shrubs offer a year round interest of different varieties of waxy foliage. If you are looking at the plants out of flowering season then as a rule the lighter the leaf, the lighter the flower colour. If you are buying from a garden centre then they should have labels anyway. You will be pleased to know that the plants need very little or no maintenance, just remove any dead stems if you see them.