As autumn slowly becomes winter, it is the evergreen plants in the garden which come into their own.  This month we have picked out a small evergreen shrub which also has the benefit of flowering well into November, the Hebe ‘Maria’.  Everyone should have space for this cute little veronica as it reaches only 60cm high and will form a neat mound.

Hebe Maria

During late summer purple flowers appear which will last until the end of autumn.  To keep it in shape we suggest a light prune after flowering.

Hebes like sunny conditions and are not too fussy about the soil type as long as it is free draining.  We have used this variety in groups on a bank which gives a practical and pleasing appearance.

Good planting partners include Origanum vulgare, Geranium sanguineum and Stachys ‘Silver Carpet’.