Hebe sutherlandii – Compact Evergreen with Silvery Foliage and Summer Flowers

Hebe sutherlandii is a striking, compact evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, admired for its small, silvery-grey, scale-like leaves arranged in neat overlapping rows along its stems. This naturally rounded, low-growing shrub brings year-round interest and texture to borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Flowering from June to August, it produces short spikes of delicate pale lilac to white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators, adding subtle seasonal colour.

Best positioned in full sun and in well-drained soil, Hebe sutherlandii prefers a sheltered site, protected from harsh winter winds and frost. It’s ideal for coastal gardens, gravel beds, and alpine-style planting schemes.

Care tips: Water regularly during the first season to help it establish. Once mature, it is drought tolerant and low maintenance. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soils.

Feed in early spring with a general-purpose fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Avoid cutting into old wood, as Hebes do not regenerate well from it.

Compact, architectural, and evergreen, Hebe sutherlandii is an excellent choice for adding structure and silvery tones to any well-drained UK garden.