Veronica (syn. Hebe) ‘Hinerua’

Hinerua hebe

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

Outstanding Qualities

Hebe 'Hinerua' caught the eye of GPP judges over the course of a three-year hebe evaluation at North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Oregon. It stood out because of its rounded, compact habit and its striking foliage. Individual leaves are golden, olive-green, they are small, scale-like, and pressed against the twigs of this shrub, creating an interesting architectural effect. Use 'Hinerua' as a single specimen or in small groups for an exotic, "New Zealand look." It mixes well with Mediterranean plants and dwarf conifers. The olive-green tones glow against compannions with purple foliage and create contrast with leaves of gray or silver leaves. It rarely flowers, but when it does, the blooms look like small white puffs scattered on the tips of the branches. This naturally occurring hebe hybrid was found by Graham Hutchins in 1985 on the Hinerua Ridge in the Ruahine Range of mountains, North Island, New Zealand.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: shrub

Growth Habit: upright

Foliage Type: evergreen

Plant Height (10-year): 3 ft. 0 in. (0.91 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 meters)

Plant Height-Mature: 4 ft. 0 in. (1.22 meters)

Plant Width-Mature: 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 to 9

Flower Color: white

Sun/Light Exposure: full sun

Water Requirements: occasional watering

Culture Notes

Plant this cold hardy hebe in well-drained or sandy soil with full sun. Once established it needs only occasional watering during dry weather. It requires little pruning to maintain its compact shape. Hebes are not long lived plants but should remain attractive in the garden for ten to fifteen years. Replace older plants once they begin to deteriorate.