{"product_id":"hebe-franciscana-blue-gem","title":"Hebe Franciscana 'Blue Gem'","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHebe 'Blue Gem' \/ Combe Royal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHebe franciscana \u003c\/em\u003e'Blue Gem'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plantaginaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003eNew Zealand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHebe ‘Blue Gem’ is a compact, sun-loving hebe that smothers itself in vivid violet-purple flower spikes for months. With glossy evergreen foliage and a neat habit, it’s a standout for low hedges, borders and coastal pots in South Australian gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.8–1.2 m H × 0.8–1.2 m W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20-40 cm per year under good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen, glossy deep green; tight, bushy habit; new growth bright green, may bronze\/purple in cold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Showy violet-purple spikes; lightly fragrant; nectar-rich\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late spring–autumn (Oct–Apr) peak; trim spent spikes to extend blooming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Attracts bees \u0026amp; butterflies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost (protect from hard frost); clay-tolerant with good drainage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low hedge: 3–4 plants per metre; borders: space 0.6–1.0 m apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — non-toxic to cats and dogs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade (best flowering in sun)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates improved light clay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Establishment: 2 deep soaks\/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mulch in spring; lightly trim after flowering to keep compact; feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12+ years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA, including coastal areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slightly acidic to mildly alkaline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClip into a low hedge or path edging for year-round structure and bold seasonal colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMass plant in front gardens or banks for a long purple display with minimal upkeep\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeature in pots by entries and patios; ideal for coastal courtyards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect months of vivid purple blooms on a compact, glossy evergreen that instantly boosts kerb appeal. ‘Blue Gem’ thrives in SA’s heat and coastal breezes with very little fuss, delivering reliable colour, pollinator activity and an easy, tidy hedge or border you’ll love year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"140mm Pot","offer_id":47355945419004,"sku":"HEBE-FRAN-BLUE-GEM-140MM","price":12.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"200mm Pot","offer_id":47355945451772,"sku":"HEBE-FRAN-BLUE-GEM-200MM","price":21.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/hebe-franciscana-blue-gem-combe-royal-200mm-flower-adelaide-plant-co.png?v=1764472798","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/hebe-franciscana-blue-gem","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}