Shrubs: HEBE ALBICANS

The neat and compact forms of Hebe (previously known as Evergreen Veronicas and still referred to as such) are very useful garden plants. So many splendid varieties yet I have never really had much luck with them. Most of my Hebes always ended up as badly winter damaged and cutting back to old wood never seemed to help them recover their beautiful, shiny evergreen leaves. Perhaps I never took enough care to protect them from humidity and low temperatures that they resent so much. Out of my hardiness zone, I thought. Until I encountered Hebe albicans. I planted it next to my recently praised Choisya on one side and another variegated hebe (Speciosa) on the other side. The state of the variegated one today gives me the hebe jeebies for it is a bundle of some old, cold-burnt wood, waiting for the Hebe fairy to fly by and sprinkle on some new shoots. On the other hand, Hebe albicans didn't and doesn't seem to mind nor the low temperatures nor the cold winds nor the dog paws or any other inadequate behaviour. It is definitely fully hardy to -10°C.

Its nursery ID says the following:

• A hardy, compact evergreen shrub with attractive grey-green foliage forming a flat toped spreading bush. Produces masses of white flowers with prominent purple anthers during Summer. A reliable and colourful addition to mixed-shrub borders, rockeries and containers.Thrives in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position.
  
• Tolerates wind and frost once established. Prune after flowering to maintain bushy growth and encourage blooms for the next season. Fertilise annually in early Spring with a complete fertiliser. Disease resistant.
• Height: 60cm.
• Width: 1m.
• Planting Conditions: Full sun/part shade; wind tolerant.
• Watering Conditions: Well-drained soil.

So if you are at a higher elevation or in a colder climate zone, this is the Hebe variety you may want to try growing.

Shrubs: MEXICAN ORANGE BLOSSOM

CHOISYA TERNATA 'SUNDANCE'

I first came across this lovely evergreen shrub in my friends' garden in Yorkshire, England (top photo). I was attracted by its beautiful, glossy foliage and its dense structure. It caught my eye instantly. I have never seen it before in real life, so I asked them: What on Earth is that charming little shrub? Nobody knew. I spent a while trying to find out what it was but no luck.
Anyway, a year later, I spotted one in the garden center and it made my heart sing. It bore the name of Choisya ternata (cultivar : Sundance) and has been gracing my garden for two years now.


Mexican Orange Blossom is the common and very suitable name for Choisya ternata; in May heavenly fragrance from the flowers enriches the air and the shiny green leaves are also aromatic when crushed (reminds me of basil). What a lovely scent! Leaves comprise three leaflets, thus the species name ternata, which means grouped in threes. In mild and sheltered gardens, it will grow to 2m in height and spread. While tolerant of some shade, it is best grown in full sun. Any well drained garden soil suits it, but it grows best in rich, slightly acidic, well drained soil, and pruning involves no more than the removal of frost-damaged shoots in March (not in my case, I always get carried away with plants that need little or no pruning). It is frost hardy, but it can suffer die back in extreme winters and if not sheltered from strong winds, however will grow back. New shoots are freely produced from the base when plants are cut back. Thanks to its bright yellow foliage, the 'Sundance' cultivar really stands out in the garden.