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Common Name:

General Information

Hebe dieffenbachii is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

New Zealand - Chatham Islands. Naturalized in south-west Britain.

Habitat

Limestone cliffs and rocks[].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.20 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in full sun, succeeding in most well-drained soils with some shelter from cold winds[]. Dislikes very dry soils and water-logged soils. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution and maritime exposure[].
Not very cold-hardy, it tolerates temperatures down to at least -5°c,and only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. It grows well in maritime areas[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].
This species is very easy to transplant and, with care, it can even be moved when in flower[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Plants can be grown as a hedge in maritime areas[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the young plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. It would probably be worthwhile giving some protection to the plant for its first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half ripe wood, 3 - 5cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Pot up when roots are forming and keep in a frame or greenhouse for its first winter before planting out in late spring.
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn or winter in a frame.