THE PRESS - PLANT OF THE MONTH - AUGUST 2008 - HEBE 'EMERALD GEM'

Our pick this month, Hebe Emerald Gem forms naturally into a ball; its almost cushion-like appearance looks closely clipped - without any effort on an gardener's behalf.  When its crisp green foliage is covered with dainty clusters of white flowers in summer it looks like a pin cushion.

Planted en masse or singularly in a container, this is one hebe that is sure to please.  At just 30 cm high, Emerald Gem is a great contrast with ground covers and succulents.  In a native planting plan, its mounding form will provide interest.  For a bit of pizzazz, try planting it beside bold foliage accent plants such as the brillant Libertia Taupo Blaze or Phormium Jester and Yellow Wave.  If stones are your thing, then try planting this hebe alongside the low growing bright green Scleranthus biflorus with a light coloured gravel or stone chips covering the soil. 

Gardening Solutionz's Hebe Emerald Gem is available now in Garden Centres.

The Press Newspaper August 2008

Congratulations to Jane Helmore, DR Pike, Lynda Alexander, Kay Loader and Margaret Adams who each won a Gardening Solutionz Hebe Emerald Gem by entering our competition in The Press.