Hebe traversii

2026-03-11T12:11:08+13:00

Vendor: Veronica Traversii
Type: standard size
Price: 8.99

Hebe traversii

Common Names: Travers Hebe
Family: Plantaginaceae
Origin: New Zealand (South Island)
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub

Overview

Hebe traversii (also known as Travers Hebe) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its tidy rounded form, glossy green foliage, and reliable summer flowering. Naturally occurring in exposed coastal and lowland environments of the South Island, it is particularly well suited to gardens that experience wind, salt spray, and dry conditions. The plant produces masses of attractive white flower spikes in summer that are highly attractive to bees and pollinators. Its compact habit and toughness make it an excellent choice for hedging, mass planting, or low-maintenance landscape planting.

Key Features

Foliage: Glossy mid-green leaves arranged neatly along stems, forming a dense evergreen shrub.
Flowers / Fruit: Spikes of white flowers appear in summer, attracting bees and beneficial insects.
Form & Habit: Rounded, bushy shrub with dense branching and naturally tidy growth.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Native shrub that provides nectar for pollinators and performs well in coastal or exposed sites.

Mature Size

Attribute | Size
Height | 1.5 m
Spread | 1.5 m
Form | Rounded shrub

Ideal Growing Conditions

Requirement | Detail
Light | Full sun to light shade
Water | Low to moderate once established
Soil | Well-drained soils; tolerant of coastal conditions
pH Range | Slightly acidic to neutral
Frost Tolerance | Frost hardy

Landscaping & Garden Uses

Excellent for coastal gardens and exposed windy sites

Ideal for informal hedging or screening

Works well in native shrub plantings or restoration areas

Suitable for low-maintenance gardens and mass planting

Care & Maintenance

Pruning: Light trimming after flowering helps maintain a dense compact shape.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established.
Feeding: Apply a general slow-release fertiliser in spring if desired.
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy and pest-resistant.

Additional Tips

Plant in a sunny open position with free-draining soil. Hebe traversii tolerates wind and coastal exposure well, making it a reliable structural shrub in challenging garden conditions.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight

The species is named after Henry H. Travers, a notable New Zealand botanist and collector of native plants.

Why Choose Hebe traversii?

A tough and dependable native shrub, Hebe traversii combines attractive foliage, pollinator-friendly flowers, and excellent tolerance of wind and coastal conditions—making it a versatile addition to many New Zealand gardens.

Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.