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How to Grow Hebe 'Red Edge'

Hebe 'Red Edge'

Hebe × 'Red Edge'

shrub

Hebe 'Red Edge' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its distinctive foliage with red-tinged leaf margins that intensify in cool weather. It produces delicate flowers and maintains ornamental appeal year-round. This cultivar combines attractive foliage with manageable size, making it popular for borders, containers, and coastal gardens.

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Example Hebe 'Red Edge' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Hebe 'Red Edge'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Hebe 'Red Edge'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hebe 'Red Edge' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best foliage color
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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
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Spacing: 24 inches
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Days to maturity: Flowering begins within first year; full mature form in 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery pot; set crown at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
compost perlite or coarse sand for drainage aged bark mulch

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; grows well in zone 8b with winter protection

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

3-6 months

Young plant with emerging red-edged foliage; compact growth habit

Water regularly to establish root system. Avoid heavy pruning. Protect from extreme temperatures.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Foliage develops rich red margins; plant becomes denser; characteristic coloring intensifies in cooler months

Light pruning to shape; maintain consistent moisture. Red edge color is most vibrant in fall/winter.

3

Flowering

8-12 weeks

Small delicate flowers in white, pink, or purple (depending on parent genetics) appear on branch tips

Flowers appear in summer to early fall. Deadheading extends bloom period. Light feeding supports flowering.

4

Maturity

2+ years ongoing

Fully formed dense shrub with consistent red leaf margins; reliable annual flowering

Annual light pruning after flowering maintains shape. Occasional deeper pruning rejuvenates old growth.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

lavender rosemary santolina gaura agapanthus sedums salvias phormium

Avoid planting near:

plants requiring constant moisture water-loving hostas bog plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; encourage beneficial insects

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe

  • and (in wet soil)

    Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected plants promptly

  • Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil

Uses

🌿

Landscape specimen and hedging

Ornamental

Hebe 'Red Edge' serves as an attractive focal point in mixed borders, rock gardens, and containers. Its compact size and distinctive foliage make it valuable for Mediterranean-style and coastal garden designs. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The delicate flowers attract bees and butterflies, providing summer nectar sources. Hebes are valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]

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Container and patio gardening

Household

Its compact habit and attractive year-round appearance make it ideal for pots, raised beds, and container gardens. Provides visual interest on patios and balconies. [source]

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Coastal and wind-tolerant planting

Household

Hebe tolerates salt spray and strong coastal winds better than many ornamental shrubs, making it excellent for seaside gardens. [source]

Harvest Tips

No harvesting required. Prune selectively year-round to maintain shape; prune after flowering for best appearance. Remove any dead or damaged wood in spring.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Hebe 'Red Edge' is native to New Zealand, where Hebes are culturally significant and commonly used in gardens.
  • 🌱 The distinctive red leaf margins intensify during cooler months and can fade slightly in intense summer heat, creating dynamic seasonal color changes.
  • 🌱 Many Hebe species have small, unusual flowers that were historically used by Māori people for various purposes.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade
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