Hebe Calcicola
Hebe (Veronica) calcicola
Common Names: Limestone Hebe, Coastal Hebe
Overview
Hebe (Veronica) calcicola is a tough, compact NZ native shrub naturally found on limestone and rocky coastal areas. Its dense, tidy foliage, excellent hardiness, and generous flowering make it a superb choice for exposed, dry, or coastal gardens across New Zealand. This reliable hebe brings structure, seasonal colour, and resilience to landscapes where other shrubs struggle.
Key Features
Foliage:
Small, rounded to oval green leaves arranged tightly along upright stems, forming a compact and tidy shrub. Foliage remains evergreen year-round and handles wind and salt exceptionally well.
Flowers / Fruit:
Produces attractive white to pale lilac flower clusters from late spring into summer. Blooms are lightly scented and highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees.
Form & Habit:
Naturally compact and upright with a rounded form. Maintains shape with minimal clipping.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Highly tolerant of poor soils, rocky ground, and coastal environments. Supports pollinators and contributes to native biodiversity in dry, exposed landscapes.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 50–80cm |
| Spread | 60–90cm |
| Form | Compact, upright, rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun for best flowering and density |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained soils; thrives in limestone, rocky, sandy, or coastal conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral to alkaline; tolerates lime-rich soils |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; suitable for most NZ climates |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Excellent coastal hebe for windy, salt-exposed sites
-
Ideal for rock gardens, scree gardens, and dry borders
-
Neat structural shrub for modern or low-maintenance landscapes
-
Effective mass-planted for uniformity and texture
-
Works well in mixed native plantings for biodiversity support
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Light trim after flowering to maintain shape if desired.
Watering: Water through the first growing season; drought-tolerant once established.
Feeding: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring if soils are particularly poor.
Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant and trouble-free in well-drained positions.
Additional Tips
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils to ensure long-term health. Excellent choice for gardens with poor or shallow soils where few other shrubs thrive.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
The species name calcicola comes from Latin meaning “lime-dweller,” reflecting its natural habitat on limestone outcrops—one reason this hebe performs exceptionally well in dry, alkaline, and coastal NZ environments.
Why Choose Hebe (Veronica) calcicola?
If you need a compact, ultra-hardy NZ native that delivers tidy form, reliable flowering, and exceptional coastal resilience, this hebe is one of the best performers available.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
