How to Grow Hebe 'Autumn Glory'
Wikimedia Commons
Hebe 'Autumn Glory'
Hebe × 'Autumn Glory'
shrubHebe 'Autumn Glory' is a compact, semi-evergreen shrub prized for its deep purple-blue flower spikes that bloom from summer through fall. The foliage transitions to burgundy and bronze tones as temperatures cool, providing multi-season ornamental interest. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and coastal gardens due to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements.
When should you plant Hebe 'Autumn Glory' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Hebe 'Autumn Glory' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Hebe 'Autumn Glory'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Hebe 'Autumn Glory'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hebe 'Autumn Glory' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; can survive zone 7b with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Hebe 'Autumn Glory' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Hebe 'Autumn Glory' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNew transplant with visible root ball; foliage may appear stressed initially
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid fertilizing for first month. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates during first summer.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summerRapid shoot and leaf development; plant becomes bushier and fuller
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Prune lightly to encourage branching. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
June-NovemberDense, compact flower spikes in deep purple-blue emerge at branch tips; can have multiple flushes
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over foliage. Maintain adequate water.
Autumn Color Change
September-DecemberFoliage gradually shifts from green to burgundy, bronze, and deep purple; ornamental value increases
Reduce watering and fertilizing. Avoid excessive pruning. Light frosts enhance color development.
Winter Dormancy
December-FebruaryGrowth slows significantly; plant maintains foliage color; some leaf drop may occur in cold areas
Minimize watering; allow soil to dry between waterings. Provide mulch in zone 7b and exposed areas. Prune dead or damaged growth in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity by misting foliage; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe
-
Yellow sticky traps; horticultural oil sprays; insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial predators
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; prune affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
-
Ensure good air flow; reduce humidity; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution; remove affected foliage
Uses
Garden Color & Structure
OrnamentalValued as an ornamental landscape shrub providing vibrant purple-blue flowers and autumn foliage color change. Excellent for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and foundation plantings. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdAttractive flower spikes last well in vases and add vertical interest and color to fresh floral arrangements. Combines beautifully with other late-summer and fall bloomers. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeTubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout summer and fall when other nectar sources may be scarce. Provides important late-season forage. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryWhile not commonly eaten, Hebe flowers are non-toxic and occasionally used as garnish for desserts or beverages in modern cuisine. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftFlower spikes dry well and retain color when hung upside-down in a cool, dry location. Long-lasting in dried arrangements and wreaths. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvested plant. Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage additional flushes and maintain neat appearance. Cut flowers can be used in fresh arrangements; harvest in early morning when spikes are fully open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hebe 'Autumn Glory' is a hybrid cultivar developed in New Zealand, where Hebes are native and extremely popular in gardens. The breeding focused on hardiness and extended flowering season.
- 🌱 The foliage color change intensifies with cold temperatures; gardeners in zone 7-8 often see the most dramatic burgundy-bronze coloration after hard frosts.
- 🌱 Despite their delicate appearance, Hebes are remarkably tough plants—they tolerate wind, salt spray, poor soil, and even deer browsing, making them excellent for coastal and difficult sites.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Hebe 'Autumn Glory' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Hebe 'Autumn Glory' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Hebe 'Autumn Glory' timeline →