Chatham Island hebe

hebe brachysiphon

Also known as: ["Chatham Island hebe"]

Family: Plantaginaceae Genus: Hebe Category: Shrubs

Overview

A small, evergreen shrub native to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand, with small, narrow leaves and small white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Hebe
Botanical Name: Hebe brachysiphon

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize during active growth; dilute to prevent burn; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy cuttings; maintain humidity; provide warmth for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning for optimal absorption.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth in unfavorable conditions.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may suffer leaf damage or dieback in prolonged sub-freezing temperatures.

Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth; move to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring-summer; avoid fertilizing in fall-winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Hebe brachysiphon may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Hebe brachysiphon can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Hebe brachysiphon may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Hebe brachysiphon due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Hebe brachysiphon is not considered toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects following ingestion by felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for cat exposure.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Hebe brachysiphon is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for dog exposure.
Humans
Non-toxic

Hebe brachysiphon is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hebe brachysiphon toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How often should I water Hebe brachysiphon?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Hebe brachysiphon attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Plantaginaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Yellow Foxglove
View
Rattlesnake Plantain
View
Maurandya procumbens
View
Spurless Fluellen
View