Hebe Salicifolia
Hebe (Veronica) salicifolia
Overview
A vigorous, large New Zealand native shrub with long willow-like leaves and abundant white to pale lilac flowers in summer. Hebe (Veronica) salicifolia is one of Aotearoa’s most adaptable and valued native species—renowned not only for its hardiness in coastal and exposed environments, but also for its traditional Māori use in rongoā (medicine) for its soothing and antiseptic properties.
Key Features
Foliage: Long, narrow, willow-like green leaves with a glossy sheen and prominent midrib, providing lush evergreen structure.
Flowers / Fruit: Dense clusters of white to pale lilac blooms in summer, highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and native insects.
Form & Habit: Bushy, upright shrub with fine branching and a naturally rounded shape.
Growth Rate: Fast.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Traditionally used in Māori medicine; leaf and bark infusions were prepared for treating fevers, chest ailments, and skin conditions. Ecologically, it provides nectar for pollinators and shelter for native birds, while tolerating salt, wind, and poor soils.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 – 3 m |
| Spread | 2 – 3 m |
| Form | Upright, bushy shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soil preferred but adaptable to clay or coastal sands |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy to frost, wind, and coastal exposure |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Ideal for large native borders, screens, and shelter plantings
-
Excellent for coastal gardens and restoration projects
-
Provides flowers for pollinators and evergreen structure year-round
-
Historically valued for medicinal planting and traditional rongoā gardens
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Trim after flowering to maintain compact form and encourage dense growth.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; minimal once mature.
Feeding: Apply a balanced native fertiliser in spring if growth slows.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free; ensure good drainage in heavy soils.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Māori used Hebe (Veronica) salicifolia—known as koromiko—as a versatile healing plant. Leaf infusions were traditionally used for stomach upsets, diarrhoea, and to soothe inflammation or infections. The plant’s strong antibacterial qualities have since been supported by modern studies, confirming its value as one of New Zealand’s most important rongoā species.
Why Choose Hebe (Veronica) salicifolia?
A fast-growing, resilient native shrub offering beauty, ecological value, and rich cultural significance—perfect for coastal, native, or medicinal gardens that celebrate Aotearoa’s natural heritage.
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.
