Boxleaf Hebe (Hebe buxifolia)

Boxleaf Hebe

Hebe buxifolia

Its tiny evergreen leaves form dense, tidy mounds, a low-maintenance garden staple. Compact evergreen shrub; common name: Boxleaf Hebe.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind exposure and light salt spray
💧
Watering Water deeply when top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to -5°C; avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C to prevent leaf scorch
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, oval, leathery, glossy green leaves arranged oppositely along stems
  • Flower: Clusters of tiny white to pale purple tubular blooms at stem tips
  • Stem: Woody, branching stems forming tight, compact mounds
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly during active growth; avoid waterlogging soil

Fertilization

Feed with balanced diluted fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface; water in to release calcium gradually without odor or pest risk
Pruning
  • Trim faded flower clusters after blooming to encourage bushier growth
  • Thin overcrowded stems in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Shape lightly after flowering to maintain compact, rounded habit
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no toxicity documented

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover, rockery plant, coastal garden specimen