Parahebe

New Zealand’s Best Parahebe Plants

Growing colourful NZ-native shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Parahebe plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Parahebe, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Parahebe

1. Is Parahebe a sun or shade plant?

Parahebe species have varying sun and shade tolerance depending on the cultivar. Some Parahebe plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade or even full shade. It's important to choose the right cultivar for your specific growing conditions.

Here's a general guide to Parahebe sun and shade tolerance:

• Full sun: Parahebe catarractae, P. perfoliata, P. linifolia, and P. lysimachioides can tolerate full sun.
• Partial shade: Parahebe cottoniana, P. decora, P. didymosepalea, and P. goughana prefer partial shade.
• Full shade: Parahebe hebe, P. parviflora, and P. trilobata can thrive in full shade.

If you're unsure about the sun tolerance of a specific Parahebe cultivar, it's always best to err on the side of caution and provide it with partial shade. You can always gradually increase the amount of sun exposure as the plant acclimates.

2. How tall does a Parahebe grow?

The height of a Parahebe plant depends on the species and growing conditions. Most Parahebe species are relatively compact, typically growing to a height of 30-60 cm (1-2 feet). However, some species, such as Parahebe catarractae, can grow up to 1 metre (3 feet) tall.

Here are some examples of Parahebe species and their average heights:

• Parahebe catarractae: 50-100 cm
• Parahebe perfoliata: 30-60 cm
• Parahebe linifolia: 30-50 cm
• Parahebe lysimachioides: 30-60 cm
• Parahebe cottoniana: 30-50 cm
• Parahebe decora: 30-50 cm
• Parahebe didymosepalea: 20-40 cm
• Parahebe goughana: 20-40 cm
• Parahebe hebe: 20-40 cm
• Parahebe parviflora: 10-30 cm
• Parahebe trilobata: 10-30 cm

The height of Parahebe plants can be influenced by various factors, including:

• Sunlight: Parahebe plants generally grow taller in full sun than in partial shade or full shade.
• Watering: Adequate watering is essential for proper growth and can contribute to a plant reaching its full height potential.
• Soil fertility: Nutrient-rich soil provides the necessary resources for Parahebe plants to thrive and reach their full size.

• Pruning: Regular pruning can help maintain the desired shape and size of the plant, preventing it from becoming overly leggy.

  By providing optimal growing conditions and following appropriate care practices, you can encourage your Parahebe plants to flourish and reach their expected heights, adding a touch of vibrant foliage and delicate flowers to your garden landscape.

3. How do you take care of a Parahebe?

Parahebes are a low-maintenance shrub that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep your Parahebe healthy and thriving:

Planting:

• Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade.
• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball and slightly deeper.
• Gently loosen the roots of the plant and place it in the hole.
• Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering:

• Water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plant and stunt its growth.

Fertilizer:

• Feed plants in spring and autumn with a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning:

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape.
• Avoid heavy pruning unless absolutely necessary.

Additional tips:

• Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if necessary.

With proper care, your plant will reward you with beautiful flowers and attractive foliage for years to come.

4. What is the difference between Hebe and Parahebe?

Hebe and Parahebe are both genera of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae. They are closely related and share many similarities, but there are also some key differences between the two.

Hebe

• Native to New Zealand and the Chatham Islands
• Includes over 100 species
• Flowers are typically white, pink, or purple
• Leaves are opposite and usually small and leathery
• Shrubs or small trees

Parahebe

• Native to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands
• Includes over 60 species
• Flowers are typically white, pink, or purple
• Leaves are opposite and usually larger and more delicate than Hebe leaves
• Shrubs or small herbs

Key differences:

• Leaf size and texture: Hebe leaves are typically smaller and more leathery than Parahebe leaves.
• Growth habit: Hebe species are typically shrubs or small trees, while Parahebe species are typically shrubs or small herbs.
• Distribution: Hebe species are native to New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, while Parahebe species are native to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Classification:

In the past, Hebe and Parahebe were considered separate genera. However, recent taxonomic studies have shown that the two genera are closely related and should be merged. As a result, Parahebe species are now classified as Hebe species.

Overall, Hebe and Parahebe are both beautiful and versatile genera of flowering plants that can be a great addition to any garden.

5. Are parahebes Evergreen?

Most Parahebes are evergreen. However, some Parahebes are semi-evergreen, meaning that they lose some of their leaves in cold climates.

The evergreen nature of Parahebes is due to their thick, leathery leaves. These leaves are well-adapted to retaining moisture and resisting cold weather.

Here are some examples of evergreen Parahebes:

• Parahebe catarractae
• Parahebe perfoliata
• Parahebe linifolia
• Parahebe lysimachioides
• Parahebe cottoniana
• Parahebe decora
• Parahebe didymosepalea
• Parahebe goughana
• Parahebe hebe

Here are some examples of semi-evergreen Parahebes:

• Parahebe parviflora
• Parahebe trilobata