This variable shrub has spreading dark purplish branches that form a decumbent to prostrate habit. It has bright to dark green elliptical red margined leaves and the small white tube-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during early summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10 

Hebe decumbens is naturally found in New Zealand growing in the dry mountains of Marlborough and Canterbury in south island in sub-alpine scrub to an altitude of 450 to 1370 m (3,836 ft). 

It prefers an open sunny position and grows in stony well drained moderately fertile soils and is drought and frost tolerant.

The Black Barked Mountain Hebe is grown for its spreading habit and small flowers. It is planted in small gardens along front borders or  used as a ground cover. It is also suitable for rockeries establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. It is suitable for low-mountain regions and tolerates cold conditions. ID 3253

Hebe (HEE-bee) decumbens (dee-KUM-bens)

Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee)
Figwort and Foxglove Family