Hebe Cupressoides
Hebe (Veronica) cupressoides
Common names: Cypress Hebe
Family: Plantaginaceae
Origin: New Zealand (alpine & subalpine regions)
Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
Overview
Hebe (Veronica) cupressoides is a distinctive, compact NZ native shrub valued for its tight, conifer-like foliage and excellent performance in exposed or dry sites. Naturally neat and architectural, it brings strong texture to rock gardens, alpine plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes.
Key Features
Foliage: Fine, scale-like blue-green foliage closely resembling a miniature conifer; dense and very tidy without trimming.
Flowers / Fruit: Small pale lilac flowers in spring, held lightly above the foliage; subtle but attractive to pollinators.
Form & Habit: Rounded, cushion-like shrub forming a tight 80cm x 80cm mound at maturity.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Well suited to harsh, dry, windy, or alpine conditions; provides habitat structure for insects and lizards.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 80 cm |
| Spread | 80 cm |
| Form | Dense, bun-shaped shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low; thrives in dry, free-draining conditions |
| Soil | Prefers poor to moderate soils; excellent on gravel, scree, stony, or sandy sites |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Very hardy; tolerates severe frost and exposed alpine winds |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
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Alpine and rock gardens
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Mass planting for tidy, uniform texture
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Ideal for dry, windy, or harsh sites
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Great for low-maintenance and coastal landscapes
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Adds structure and contrast alongside grasses, flaxes, and other compact hebes
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Not required—naturally compact and tidy.
Watering: Minimal; water during establishment only.
Feeding: Very low nutrient needs; a light feed in spring is optional.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-free and extremely hardy.
Additional Tips
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Avoid waterlogged soils; this is a true dry-site specialist.
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Works brilliantly in gravel gardens and scree plantings.
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Plant in groups to emphasise its geometric form.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
This species’ foliage arrangement closely mimics juvenile conifers, making it one of the most unique Hebe/Veronica species for texture and form.
Why Choose Hebe (Veronica) cupressoides?
A hardy, structural, and highly distinctive shrub that thrives where many plants struggle—offering year-round shape and interest with virtually no maintenance.
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.
