Hebe 'Snowdrift'
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Willow Leaf Hebe / Shrubby Veronica
Botanical Name: Hebe 'Snowdrift'
Family: Plantaginaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
Hebe ‘Snowdrift’ is a compact, sun-loving evergreen that covers itself in long white flower spikes through the warmer months. Tough, neat and salt-tolerant—perfect for low hedges, borders and coastal pots in South Australian gardens.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 0.6–1.2 m H × 0.8–1.2 m W
- Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Evergreen, glossy mid-green; tidy, compact habit; new growth bright green (may bronze slightly in cold)
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Flowers: Showy white spikes; lightly fragrant; nectar-rich
- Seasonal Interest: Late spring–autumn (Oct–Apr) peak; remove spent blooms to extend flowering
- Wildlife Value: Attracts bees & butterflies
- Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant (afternoon shade inland), wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light–moderate frost (protect from hard frost); clay-tolerant with drainage
- Planting Density: Low hedge: 3–4 plants per metre; borders: 1 plant per 0.6–0.8 m
- Pet Friendly: Yes — non-toxic to cats and dogs
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best flowering in sun; some afternoon shade inland)
- Soil: Free-draining loam or sandy loam; tolerates improved light clay
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
- Maintenance: Mulch in spring; lightly trim after flowering to keep compact; feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser
- Lifespan: 8–12+ years
- Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA, including coastal areas
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to mildly alkaline
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Low, evergreen edging and pathway borders; clip for a crisp hedge line.
- Mass plant in front gardens or on gentle banks for a long white summer display with minimal care
- Statement containers by entries or patios; ideal for coastal pots and small courtyards
Why You Will Love It
Enjoy months of clean white flower spikes on a compact, tidy shrub that lifts kerb appeal instantly. Tough enough for South Australian conditions—heat, wind and coastal—so it keeps performing where fussier plants fail. A low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly evergreen that’s perfect for borders, mass plantings and pots.