Halimium atriplicifolium Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
A very wild looking shrub with large silver leaves and a twisted rugged habit. To 3’ tall and half as wide it requires poor soil and very little water to perform at its peak. In May and June large clear yellow silky flowers appear daily. In time it develops a gnarled and twisted trunk which adds to its wild charm. An excellent shrub for tough locations, dry hillsides and even enduring clay if it is not irrigated in hot weather.
Halimium lasianthum ssp. formosum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
A spectacular "Rockrose" for late spring that has handsome fine textured evergreen foliage year round. In late April through June single bright yellow flowers, each petal stained at the base with a maroon blotch. Flowers appear daily and are followed by more. Excellent spreading shrub for dry hillsides in full sun. Blooms simultaneously with Ceanothus t. 'Skylark'.To 3' tall and 5' wide quickly. Little water once established.
Halimium lasianthum ssp. alyssoides ‘Farall’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
A compact form selection of golden rockrose with very silver, nearly white foliage an a copious amount of clear, unblotched, yellow flowers for a very long period from early May to mid-July. To only 20" tall and 30" wide it is the perfect drought tolerant shrub for sunny, hot banks. Small size and spreading habit make it an ideal partner for blue flowered Ceanothus t. 'Skylark'. Evergray. Tip prune in July/August for a more compact habit.
Halimium ocymoides Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
Exceptional small evergray shrub of mediterranean origin. Spreading to 2' tall and up to 4' wide with prolific brilliant yellow flowers born on long stems from April through June. The base of each petal has a deep maroon spot. Flowers last one day and are followed by more...lots more. Full sun and well drained soil with little summer water. Prune in JULY to encourage a denser habit. Water until you see the plant growing then stop.
Halimium x ‘Sarah‘ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
A very charming shrub that is one of the longest blooming of this very floriferous genus. Ever -gray foliage is a striking back drop to the profuse 2” wide flowers that appear daily from early May through July. Each silky strong yellow flower has a basal blotch of burgundy. Compact to 30” tall and as wide in time. The dense habit resists splitting and ranginess. Full sun and well drained soil with no summer water. Amenable to clay with no summer water. A wonderful shrub for tight spaces that laughs at the hottest reflected heat. The blotch on each
petal is closer to burgundy than on the larger but similar cultivar H. ‘Sandling’.
Halimium ‘Sandling‘ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
Profuse soft yellow flowers each with a tomato red basal blotch on each petal cover this Rockrose for nearly two months in May and June. Flowers are set against downy gray foliage that is handsome year round. One of the largest Halimiums reaching 5’ tall and 3’ wide in time. Full sun and very well drained soil of moderate to poor fertility. No water in summer- extremely tolerant of drought. A handsome shrub with a a wildflower appeal that pairs well with the simultaneous blue flowers of Ceanothus. One of the very best.
Halimium ocymoides ‘Susan’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
If space is at a premium this fantastic selection of golden rockrose is perfect. Compact habit with fine gray foliage to only 18" tall and 2' wide. Profuse golden flowers with an expanded ring of maroon around the center. Blooms for an extended period from late April to early July. Full hot sun and good drainage in soil that is not overly rich, little water when established. One of the smallest Halimiums and excellent in a rockgarden or along a wall. Rare.
Halimium x pauanum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cistaceae
A rare and cold hardy yellow rockrose and an incredible garden shrub. Clear, 2" yellow flowers appear from early May to early July on a very upright shrub to 5' tall and about 3' wide. The fine silver foliage is an excellent foil for the yellow flowers. Very charming, wild looking shrub for tough locations in full hot sun, soil that drains quickly and little water in summer. Attractive mahogany seedheads follow flowers. Excellent with Ceanothus.
X Halimiocistus x wintonensis Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
Very striking flowers and a compact habit with handsome felted foliage make this small evergreen shrub one of the most charming of garden plants. To only 2' tall and about as wide it smothers itself in dramatic white flowers up to 3" across. Each flower has a center band of bold maroon surrounding the yellow center. Blooms profusely from early May to early July. Full hot sun and well drained soil with occasional water. Tip prune in late winter to shape.
X Halimiocistus x wintonensis ‘Merrist Wood Cream’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cistaceae
For flowers alone this is the most spectacular Rockrose. A cross between Halium and Cistus produced this remarkable low spreading evergreen shrub to 2' tall and 3' wide. In April to June 2" cream colored single flowers, the base of each petal is a maroon blotch Flowers appear daily for weeks. Full sun and well drained lean soil. Little or no water for established plants. Tip prune after flowering to shape. Protected location.
Hakea epiglottis Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Proteaceae
Unusual evergreen shrub from Tasmania with a striking resemblence to conifers. A member of the Protea family it forms an light textured wiry shrub to 3' tall 3' wide in time. In early summer curious curly sulphur yellow flowers a light fragrance appear followed by small button-like seed capsules that persist. Wiry appearance adds dimension to low water borders w/ out bulk. Avoid fertilizer and amendments, it dislikes both. Completely 100% deer proof. This is a wonderful cold hardy shrub that is a great contrast to conifers or perennial beds alike.
Hebe albicans Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A very architectural Hebe that is also VERY hardy to cold. Spreading habit, 2' tall and as wide. Full sun with good drainage. White flowers in late spring. Excellent hillside companion with ornamental grasses and heaths and heathers. Handsome well behaved rock garden shrub. One of the . High mountains of New Zealand. Occasional summer water, tolerates some drought when established, looks better with water.
Hebe ‘Blue Mist’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A classic garden Hebe that is very hardy to cold and one of the most ornamental of small garden shrubs. To 2' tall and as wide in 2 years. 3" long spikes of blue flower open and fade to baby blue flowers from June to frost. Showy two toned effect works well with the shiny green leaves and handsome black stems. Full sun, well drained soil, regular water. Remove spent flowers to encourage more and tidy up the plant A great garden plant.
Hebe buchananii ‘Sir George Fenwick’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Cute, precious, darling, and adorable Hebe that is very hardy to cold. To only 1' tall and as wide over time it forms a lovely egg-shaped shrub of blue/green leaves. Occasional white flowers in summer. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional summer irrigation. Great dwarf rock garden shrub. Combines nicely with dwarf conifers, lewisias and sempervivums. G r o w s v e r y s l o w l y.
Hebe ‘Carl Teschner’ (‘Youngii’) Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
'Carl Teschner' AKA Hebe youngii. is a tough and adorable plant. Forms a lovely spreading mat to only 3" tall but as wide as 2', with lusterous small green leaves, black stems and in later spring and summer, jewel-like purple-blue flowers. Full sun, to a considerable amount of high overhead shade, in well drained soil. Occasional summer water. Excellent on banks and in rock gardens. Cold hardy.
Hebe carnulosa ‘Mt. Stewart’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
An excellent form of cold hardy alpine Hebe carnulosa. 'Mt. Stewart' has thick rounded, shell-shaped leaves of olive green and forms a compact ball shape to only 14" tall and as wide. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional water in summer. Great structural evergreen element for a rock garden or the front of a border. Perfect with dwarf conifers. Scattered white flowers appear in July-Aug.
Hebe cupressoides Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Its a juniper! Its a Cypress! No its Hebe cupressoides! The "Cypress Hebe" from the mountains of New Zealand. You'd never guess this was related to a snapdragon. Shimmering sea green foliage makes this super cold hardy Hebe handsome throughout the year. To 4' tall and 2' wide, excellent for a well drained hillside in full sun. Regular water, then occasionally when established.
Hebe decumbens Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
"He-be decumbens to get ya'"- is an easy way to remember this very handsome spreading groundcover with black stems and olive green leaves edged in red.To 6" tall and 3' wide in full sun, regular summer water in well drained soil. Lavender flowers fade to white in midsumer. Sharp looking small scale groundcover. Space 2' apart for fast cover. Tip prune in early spring to increase density. Cold Hardy. Appreciates regular irrigation.
Hebe gibbsii Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A handsome alpine Hebe from New Zealand with gray leaves that have the added, and unHebe-like feature of fine soft hairs. Low growing evergreen shrub to about 1' tall but spreading to 2' wide. White flowers in summer. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional summer water. Great small scale groundcover on a slope. May be hardier to cold that we list. Very good with winter blooming Ericas.
Hebe glaucophylla Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A cold hardy, dapper little Hebe with cupped gray leaves on trailing stems. To 16" tall and spreading with evergreen/gray foliage and in early summer topped with pure white clusters of flowers. May be pruned around the outside near the soil level in a circle to keep the center from becoming bare. Well drained soil in full sun. Great with Ericas and Callunas. Occasional water in summer. Mountains of New Zealand.
Hebe ‘Inveray’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Hebes are wonderful for year round interest especially in smaller gardens. This old and very cold hardy variety has great looking blue/gray leaves and very showy deep purple/blue flowers in late spring. To 6" tall and forming a low mat to 2' across, stems turn upward in spring and produce an abundant carpet of purple flowers. Full sun and well drained soil. Pretty black stems. Rock gardens, low borders. Regular summer water.
Hebe ‘Karo Golden Eck’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
The bizarre name doesn't take away the fact that this is among the most striking of the cold hardy whipcord type Hebes. Anvil shaped small evergreen shrub to 20" tall and as wide over time. Golden/Olive leaves are reminiscent of coral and add a great sweeping texture year round. Excellent with conifers or at the front of a border w/ smaller ornamental grasses. Full sun to light shade with regular sumer water in soil that is never boggy.
Hebe ‘La Favorite’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Sculptural and hardy 'La Favorite' really is one of the best Hebes. Shell-shaped green leaves make symmetrical patterns surround each leaf and in late spring are tipped with very pretty lavender/blue flowers. To 2' tall and about 18" after several years. Full sun to light shade and good, well drained soil. Regular summer water. May be hardier than we list, it has just been soo long since it got that cold that we're starting to wonder.....?
Hebe macrantha Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A plant that you must see in bloom to believe. Upright evergreen shrub to 2' tall and as wide with lightly scalloped green leaves. In early summer silky pure white flowers appear, they are 1" across each. Yes, 1" each! Very showy and pretty. Full sun and well drained soil with regular summer water. Much hardier to cold than listed in books, actually an alpine shrub. Very easy to grow. Yes, 1" each.
In bloom its difficult to believe that its a Hebe.
Hebe ‘Mary Antoinette’ Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A well proportioned Hebe with long tapered leaves that emerge deep purple before changing to deep, dusky forest green. To 2’ tall and 3’ wide over time. In summer, profuse spikes of lavender/red flowers appear for months. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil and regular irrigation. Often misnamed in the trade this is the TRUE variety.
Hebe ochracea ‘E.C. Stirling’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Slow growing handsome little whipcord Hebe that is essentially a dwarf form of Hebe o. 'James Sterling'. To only 1' tall after 4 years and 1' wide it makes an ADORABLE glowing little plant. Old gold? Ochre? Great floating in a groundcover of purple leaved Acaena inermis 'Purpurea'. Full sun and well drained soil. Occasional water in summer. Would be cute in a trough....oh, its cute. This is a good one.
Hebe ochracea ‘James Stirling’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
An extremely cold hardy Hebe of the whip-cord type selected for it's amazing foliage color. Ochre? Old Gold? You make the call, but its at its best during the winter months. To 30" tall and as wide and somewhat shaped like an anvil when mature. Full sun, good drainage. Sporadic small white flowers in summer. Works well with conifers, heaths and heathers. Very pretty with Geranium s. 'Red Select'.
Hebe x ‘Pimeba’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
An excellent hardy hybrid Hebe. 'Pimeba' forms a 20" tall by 20" wide loose dome with dramatic black stems and showy gray leaves- tainted with plum in winter. In summer it's smothered in attractive violet-blue flowers that fade as they age. Very easy to grow in full sun to light shade and well drained soil. Hardy to cold. Good looking year round and excellent in winter especially with Heaths.
Hebe pimelioides ‘Quicksilver’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A striking and very cold hardy Hebe with small silver leaves and dramatic black stems. The habit is arching to 1' tall and 2' wide which makes it excellent at the front of a border. Lavender/blue spikes of flowers in July. Also great in winter containers. Full sun, regular water and well drained soil. Tip prune in late winter for bushiness or it will become a wild child. Evergreen, (evergray! Evergroovy...) Click for a large photo
Hebe recurva Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Scrophulariaceae
A spreading little Hebe with long pointed blue-green leaves and in summer fluffy little spikes of white flowers. To 1' tall and spreading to 2' for full sun and a well drained position. Occasional deep soaks in summer. Remove spent flower spikes to improve the appearance. Very good tucked into precious corners to admire its leaf color and form. Regular summer water.
Hebe ‘Silver Dollar’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Excellent cold hardy Hebe that is at its best in winter. New leaves emerge bright raspberry pink and change to cream edges. Summer foliage changes to a more reserved blue-gray. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional summer water. 2' tall and as wide in several years. Occasional white flowers in summer. Slow growing. Beautiful with winter blooming Ericas- which require the same culture. Striking in winter.
Hebe ‘Sutherlandii’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
An EverSeaFoam green shrub that is one of the cold hardiest and longest lived Hebes. To about 20" tall and eventually as wide on a very rounded formal looking shrub. Great plant for a small hedge in full sun and well drained soil with occasional deep soaks in summer. Small white flowers occasionally appear in mid-summer Very easy to grow. Tolerates some dryness in summer.
Hebe venustula ‘Sky Blue’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Symmetry is one of the elements that make Hebes so attractive. This selection of Hebe has grasses green leaves that are slightly cupped giving the stems an extra artistic flare. Add to that sky blue/ lavender flower spikes in late spring and summer and you have one of the best garden Hebes for the PNW. Upright growing to 2' tall and only 1' wide in well drained soil with regular summer water.
Cold hardy. Full sun to light shade.
Hebe vernicosa Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Scrophulariaceae
The hardy "Varnished Leaf Hebe", is so-called for its very shiny, dark green leaves. It forms a small shrub about the size of a large beach ball (20" to 20") and appreciates full sun to light shade and well drained soil with occasional water in the dry summer months Sporadic white flowers in July. Good as an evergreen accent plant for winter in perennial borders.
Hebe ‘Walter Buccleigh’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Charming little Hebe that is hardy to cold and good looking year round. A small shrub to 1' tall and as wide with tiny green spear shaped leaves edged in red. In May-late July profuse satiny purple flowers tinted red are very striking. Perfect plant for a sunny slope that is well drained. Regular summer water for best performance. Great flower color for such a small plant. May trail over rocks, ledges. Striking with Scutellaria pontica.
Hebe ‘Wingletye’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Scrophulariaceae
One of the very BEST Hebes with striking gray leaves, black stems and deep violet purple flowers. To 4" tall and forming an evergreen mat to 2' wide over time. Extremely showy in bloom- smothers itself in purple flowers from late May to early July. Full sun and well drained soil. Rock gardens, or low borders. Regular summer water to speed growth. VERY hardy to cold. Mixes well with Helianthemums and Thyme.
Heteromeles arbutifolia Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Scrophulariaceae
Toyon. From the Oregon border south into Baja California this is a handsome evergreen shrub with white flowers and beautiful conspicuous red berries. To 10' tall and forming a small tree unless kept lower. Full sun and average soil with occasional summer water. Hollywood CA got its name from this plant. Single plants berry reliably. Protected location, recovers quickly from lower temperatures.
Good cut foliage with brilliant berries for winter.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Ayesha’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Hydrangeaceae
A very old Japanese cultivar of mop head Hydrangea with exquisite flowers. The individual florets are cupped and are reminiscent of Lilac flowers. Unusual for a hydrangea, the flowers are lightly fragrant and each mop is up to 8" across. Full sun to light shade in rich soil with regular water in summer. Blooms June- August. To 4' tall and as wide. Deciduous. Remove the previous year's flowers in spring. Blue flowers in acidic soil.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Domotoi’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Hydrangeaceae
An opulent Mophead Hydrangea with unusually large heads of sterile flowers. Each "petal" is very rounded in shape and the overall appearance is very soft. For blue flowers make the soil acidic- add aluminum sulphate or elemental sulphur. For pink flowers, make the soil alkaline, add lime apply in late fall. Full sun to shade with regular water and RICH soil. Prune in very early spring, remove the previous years flowers.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Jogasaki’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Hydrangeaceae
Big blowsy hydrangea with fully double sterile flowers surrounding a lovely lacecap center. For blue flowers make the soil acidic- add elemental sulphur or aluminum sulphate. For pink flowers, alkaline soil-add lime. Apply either in November. Full sun to shade with regular water in good soil. To 5' tall and as wide. Prune old wood out in early spring. Water through summer. Deciduous.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nigra’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Hydrangeaceae
An easy to grow "Mop Head" variety with the added appeal of dark black, shiny stems. Forms a shrub to 4' tall and as wide with flowers that appear in late summer and fall. Acidic soil produces the bluest flowers, add acidic fertilizer to retain blue. To turn the flowers pink add a handful of lime around the base each fall. Regular water and full sun with afternoon shade to shade. Loose habit for a Hydrangea.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sike’s Dwarf’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Hydrangeaceae
Adaptable, adorable and spectacular shrub for nearly year round interest. A compact form of Oakleaf Hydrangea, 'Sike's' gets to only 4' tall and as wide. Furry new leaves reveal stunning 6"panicles of strerile and fertile flowers of creamy white in early summer. Remove spent flowers and more will appear. In fall the foliage takes on dramatic deep MAROON,RED and ORANGE tints. Regular water. Full sun to (high) overhead shade. Tough.
Hydrangea serrata ‘Blue Deckle’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Hydrangeaceae
For small gardens the secret is to fit in as many plants as possible right? So this new compact lacecap Hydrangea should be perfect. To only 3' tall and as wide with adorable close packed lace cap flowers. Blue in acid soil (elemental sulphur) to pink in alkaline soil (lime). Flowers from late open late June and are handsome until frost. Full sun (with water) to high overhead shade in rich soil. REGULAR water. Surely, just one more.....
Hymenanthera alpina Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Violaceae
An overlooked plant of great architecture and texture. Evergreen leaves have a black tint in fall-winter and change to olive green in summer. Good contrast with the angular silver stems. Tiny flowers give way to showy pea-sized white berries blushed with purple. To 4' tall and as wide. Excellent with ornamental grasses. Full sun, average well drained soil. Occasional summer water. New Zealand. Cold hardy. Looks sharp- its soft, feel it.
Shrubs
Halimium ocymoides
Shrubs play a vital role as the backbone of Pacific Northwest gardens. Our winters are mild enough to enjoy a multitude of choices. Evergreen to deciduous they offer so much from profuse bloom to handsome structure.
Shrubs
X Halimiocistus ‘Merrist wood Cream’
Hebe ‘Walter Buccleigh’
Plants for problem areas
Shrubs H
Shrubs H
Hebe venustula ‘Sky Blue’
Halimium x pauanum
Halimium the other Rockrose
Cistus is generally what one things of when the common name rockrose
is used. Halimium is closely related to Cistus- so much so that they are able to interbreed producing xHalimiocistus which is seen in the cultivars
x Halmiocistus ‘Merrist Wood Cream’ and x Halimiocistus wintonensis.
Halimiums are best known for their brilliant yellow flowers often marked with a burgundy blotch or zone around the center of the flower. Their flowers are silkier than Cistus though they too only last a day they appear in succession for at least two months. Nearly all have silver or gray foliage which is a wonderful foil for the brilliant flowers. Once thought of as tender it turns out that they are in fact hardier to cold than many Cistus. During the freeze of December 2009 when the temperature dipped to 7ºF for three consecutive nights we were delighted to find that none planted in the ground suffered damage. Their spectacular bloom power and ability to endure dry conditions and poor soils make them especially welcome in a drought tolerant border. In fact, they perform best in poor soils with little summer water. Halimiums should be better known in our gardens, we love their wildflower effect and offer all of the best varieties.
Halimium ‘Sarah’
Halimium ‘Susan’
Halimium ‘Sandling’
Halimium lasianthum ssp. formosum
Hebe ‘Wingletye’
Hebe pimeloides ‘Quicksilver’
Hebe ochracea ‘E.C. Stirling’
Hebe recurva
