Hebe pimeleoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hebe pimeleoides |
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Hebe
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H. pimeleoides
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| Hebe pimeleoides (Hook.f.) Cockayne & Allan
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Hebe pimeleoides is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This special plant only grows in one place: the dry mountains of Marlborough and Canterbury, which are found on the South Island of New Zealand. When a plant or animal only lives in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place.
This plant is a small, evergreen shrub, meaning it stays green all year round. It usually grows to about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. Its leaves are a cool grey-green color and are shaped like tiny spears, usually 7 to 10 millimeters long. When it blooms, you'll see lovely pale lilac flowers.
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About Hebe pimeleoides
Hebe pimeleoides is a type of plant that is part of a larger group called Hebe. These plants are very popular in gardens, especially in New Zealand, because they are often easy to grow and look attractive.
What it Looks Like
This particular Hebe plant is a low-growing shrub. This means it doesn't get very tall, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or rockeries. Its grey-green leaves give it a unique look, and the pale lilac flowers add a soft touch of color. The flowers usually appear in clusters, making the plant look even prettier when it's in full bloom.
Where it Grows Naturally
As mentioned, Hebe pimeleoides is only found in the wild in the dry, mountainous regions of Marlborough and Canterbury in New Zealand. These areas often have tough conditions, like dry soil and strong winds, but this plant is well-adapted to survive there. It shows how resilient plants can be!
Special Varieties of Hebe
Sometimes, gardeners create special versions of plants called cultivars. These are plants that have been grown to have certain features, like a different flower color or leaf shape.
One famous cultivar of Hebe pimeleoides is called 'Quicksilver'. This variety is known for its striking blue-grey leaves and pretty white flowers. 'Quicksilver' is so special that it has received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. This award means it's an excellent plant for gardens.
If you wanted to grow 'Quicksilver' in your garden, it's quite hardy. It can handle temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius (about 23 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it prefers a spot that is protected from strong winds and gets plenty of sunshine, or at least some shade during the day.
