Boxwood Hebe Plant Care

Boxwood Hebe (Hebe diosmifolia) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Hebe genus. Boxwood Hebe is native to New Zealand. Boxwood Hebe is also known as Shrubby Veronica.

Boxwood Hebe displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Boxwood Hebe produces small, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Boxwood Hebe every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Boxwood Hebe thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hebe diosmifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Boxwood Hebe prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Boxwood Hebe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Boxwood Hebe every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Boxwood Hebe is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Boxwood Hebe can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Boxwood Hebe while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Boxwood Hebe is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Boxwood Hebe can be propagated through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Boxwood Hebe is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Boxwood Hebe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Boxwood Hebe is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Boxwood Hebe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.