Parahebe
Parahebes are lax by nature, making them ideal for rock gardens, rock walls, front of borders, mixed with dwarf shrubs, and in pots for sun or part shade. Their cheery, unusual foliage and flowers are fun additions to any nook of the garden.
Plant care & info
Genus: Parahebe
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Parahebes are largely native to New Zealand with a few species found in Australia and New Guinea.
Parahebe can tolerate part shade and prefer light, well-drained, moist soil in a sheltered and warm location.
Parahebes are semi-evergreen or evergreen, and take well to pruning when they start to look tired or just after blooming. Leave old growth on during winter to protect the crown, but cut back the stems hard in early spring. Cutting back flowers after the first bloom encourages a new flush of blooms.
Parahebe are susceptible to slugs and mildew.
Parahebe is a genus of some 30 species belonging to the Scrophulariaceae (foxglove) family. The genus was given the name Parahebe because it looks similar to hebes, which is especially true when comparing the leaves.
The leaves of Parahebes are on pliable, wiry stems. They’re small, dark green, and elliptical—often with toothed edges. The flowers are usually white, pink or mauve with contrasting veining. Flowers appear in late spring and summer, and multiple flushes of blooms are possible. Most Parahebes are subshrubs (somewhere between a shrub and herbaceous perennial) and are evergreen or semi–evergreen in the Pacific Northwest. Thus, they can be added to your spring, summer, fall, or winter garden.
