This vigorous shrub has upright profuse branching that forms a rounded habit. It has glossy green elliptical leaves and the whitish tube-shaped flowers appear in a cluster from mid to late summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Hebe elliptica is naturally found in New Zealand, on the coast near Fiordland to Southland and Stewart Island growing in scrubland on hillsides down to sea level.

It grows in most well drained, moderately fertile sandy to clay soils and prefers an open sunny position. It is frost, drought and salt spray tolerant.

This hardy shrub is grown for its colourful flowers and its dense bushy habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along low borders or used in patio pots and planter boxes. It is also mass planted in parks or used in coastal settings. It establishes in 3-4 years and is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions. In hot positions it may need some shade and if grown in a container apply liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing period.ID 24

Hebe(HEE-bee) elliptica(el-IP-tee-kah)

Hebe`: ancient Greek goddess of youth; 'franciscana`: of San Francisco. Previously known as H. elliptica Blue Gem.