Hebes show waht they are made of

The biggest problem with Hebes is the fact that there are so many from which to choose. There are more than 100 species, most of which hail from New Zealand. They range in sizes which enable them to be used in the rock garden, on terraces and patios, on balconies, in the border and as hedging.

Some varieties have no flowers but have very decorative foliage, others have masses of lovely blossoms which come in colours ranging from white through blue and pink to purple. Hebes are evergreen.

The flowering types bloom from June to October – depending upon variety. On the whole, they are reasonably hardy but they can be damaged by severe frosts. Some varieties form rounded, attractive hummocks, others broad, rounded bushes. They like a well-drained soil which is not too heavy. Plant them in spring to early summer and keep them well watered in dry spells.

A really good mulch of organic manure will get your new plants off to a good start. They do best in full sun. There are many varieties on the market both flowering and foliage.

Here are some to look out for: H 'Green Globe' (Emerald Green) – slowly forms dense, shiny, emerald green mounds.

buxifolia – a small to medium sized hardy variety with small rich green leaves. Small white flowers appear in June/July.

pingufolia Pagei – forms hummocks with blue/green foliage and dense spikes of pearl-white flowers throughout summer.

'Red Edge' – the blue-grey leaves of this variety have a narrow red margin which is particularly vivid in winter.

'James Stirling' – this is a dense, neat rounded plant with bright ochre-gold/green foliage.

'Sapphire' – a strong plant which grows to 60cm, lots of blue flowers from summer to autumn.

'Nichola's Blush' – a compact variety (50cm) with flowers which change from pink to

white as they mature. The flowering period is from June to November.

'Champagne' – a lovely all-summer flowering variety. The cascades of white flowers have just a hint of lavender. The leaves are chocolate brown. Forms a compact bush 50cm x 50cm.

'Pink Paradise' – the first really early flowering Hebe, the flowering starts in March with pretty, delicate, pink flowers and small leaves; 40cm to 50cm in height.

'Autumn Glory' – this Hebe has short, dense, violet flowers from late summer to autumn. This variety provides flora interest when most other plants are dying back.