Plant of the week: NZ Lilac - Hebe Hulkeana

The NZ lilac as it is commonly known doesn't really look like other hebes. It is an attractive evergreen shrub for most of the year with glossy mid-green leaves with a crimson-red serrated margin.

In spring the NZ lilac becomes an irresistible, eye-catching display as the plant throws masses of long flower spikes which have long sprays of delicate lilac flowers gracing them from October till December. The flowering is quite unique for a NZ native.

The NZ lilac is not often available with very few nurseries growing it. About once a year we manage to get some in the garden centre and this week is the lucky week.

NZ lilac has a spreading habit forming a small bush approximately 60cm tall by 1m wide. An annual trim after flowering will help the plant keep a good shape and a bushy compact form.

In the wild it originates from rock hill sides in North Canterbury and Marlborough in the South Island. However, in the home garden it prefers a situation with light, well-drained soil and performs best in a sunny location with good air movement. It has a reputation for being extremely drought tolerant making it ideal for dry coastal areas.

This is a great plant to add something a little different to your garden that not many others will have.