Hebe buxifolia - Box-leaved Hebe

Hebe buxifolia is a variety of bush veronica that forms a spreading cushion, broader than high, evergreen, with a very ornamental design all year round. Its small glossy leaves are arranged in a cross pattern on the branches, giving it a very recognisable and aesthetic silhouette. At the end of spring, the plant produces white flowers grouped in short spikes at the tips of the branches. One of the hardiest of all (down to -15°C), this veronica can be planted in a border, a rockery, a bed, or in a pot on a terrace in particularly harsh climates.

Hebe, which traditionally belonged to the Scrophulariaceae family, has been reclassified by botanists since 2009 into the Plantaginaceae family, alongside Snapdragon (Antirrhinum) and Foxgloves, which are also transplants... The plants of the Hebe genus were themselves once part of the Veronica genus, the herbaceous veronicas, before being extracted to form a separate group that is indeed quite different. There are about one hundred species of Hebe, most of which are native to New Zealand, with others coming from Tasmania and southern Australia. The first bushy veronica introduced to Europe, Hebe elliptica, was brought back by George Forster during an expedition with the famous Captain Cook. Most of the species currently cultivated on our continent were imported a century later.
Hebe buxifolia, also known by the synonym Hebe odora, grows in both islands that make up New Zealand, at altitudes above 1200 m. This explains why it is one of the hardiest species, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C, or even lower in very good soil and exposure conditions. It is also the fastest-growing species with small leaves... in comparison to others, as bush veronicas are not speed champions. This low bush forms a regular, spreading cushion, usually reaching 50 cm in height and 70 cm in spread, but it can grow up to 1 m and form a much wider mass when it is happy in its location. The dense and compact branches create a very lush vegetation, which is excellent for forming bushy borders. They are adorned with small elongated obovate leaves that taper to a point, measuring only 8 to 12 mm in length. These thin leaves are dark green with a shiny surface on top, while the underside displays a lighter green. Their main originality, which contributes to the beauty of this bush, is that they are aligned in four ranks, giving the branches a very sculptural cross-section.
In June and July, 1.5 to 2.5 cm long spikes of very small flowers, measuring 6 to 8 mm in diameter, appear at the ends of the numerous branches. They are white, sometimes slightly tinged with lilac.

Hebe buxifolia, literally "box-leaved" due to its particular and sculptural foliage, is certainly not the most floriferous of species, but its good hardiness will allow most gardens to welcome it in open ground. In climates that are still too cold, it can be grown in a pot, trimming it occasionally if necessary. Thriving in sunny positions in most soils, it only dislikes stagnant water. Plant it in a bed alongside flowering plants, which will be highlighted by its dark foliage. The charming miniature rose 'Cutie Pie' will thus be enhanced at its feet, with its white and pink flowering renewing throughout the summer on a dome of vegetation only about fifteen centimetres high. Berberis thunbergii 'Tiny Gold' is another dwarf bush, 40 cm in all directions, whose foliage leaning towards yellow will create a superb colour contrast alongside your Hebe. In the background, you can reinforce this contrast by placing a specimen of Cotinus coggygria 'Winecraft Black', a dark purple bush, whose much larger rounded leaves than those of the Berberis and the Hebe will create a surprise effect. Its long-lasting, airy flowering and warm autumn colours will enliven your scene.