Hebe ochracea

Ashwin whipcord hebe counts among the hardiest hebe species that can be grown in continental climate of USDA zone 5b and higher. This plant has tiny, scaly leaves on whipcord-like branches. Their shape resembles cypress plants which is why this species if often mistaken for cypress hebe. The colour is possibly its most attractive feature: golden-green in summer to almost honey-brown in winter. In mid spring appear very small, white flowers at the tips of the branches.

It is a slow growing, evergreen plant with erect branches which form frond-like tops. Adult plants reach about one meter tall and wide, and seldom require any pruning at all. Only unpruned plants maintain their original, inimitable shape. However, if for whatever reason you need to prune it do so by cutting the plant evenly on all sides immediately after flowering (June). My advise is, if you are looking for a smaller plant of the same colour and shape, to go for James Stirling variety which is so far the only existing variety of this hebe and is about a third or almost a half smaller.

Hebes need very well-drained but constantly moist, poor or medium fertile soil that is anything from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It needs good mulching at all times. They originate in New Zealand i.e. a country with high air humidity and mild winters so for our climate we only choose the hardiest species and varieties which are mostly dwarf and have small leaves. Hebe ochracea is very hardy and withstands -25°C (USDA zone 5b/6) with no protection and can be grown in outdoor pots with good drainage.

Last update 03-01-2018