Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ (Shrubby Veronica)

Common Name: Variegated Hebe

Scientific Name: Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’

Plant Family: Plantaginaceae

Lifecycle: Evergreen perennial shrub

Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ – commonly sold as Variegated Hebe, Anderson’s Hybrid Hebe or Shrubby Veronica – is a compact evergreen shrub with green leaves edged in creamy-white and lilac-purple flowers from summer into fall. Growing Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ in Zone 8a is ideal because it thrives in Mediterranean climates with mild, wet winters and dry summers, provided the soil retains moisture and temperatures stay moderate. This shrub brings ornamental value, structure, and pollinator support to mixed beds or container plantings.

For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.

Plant Profile

Characteristic	Information
Climate Suitability	USDA Zones 7–10; Köppen Csa, Csb
Sun / Shade Needs	Full sun to partial shade; prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates
Watering Needs	Moderate; consistent moisture during establishment, less after rooting
Soil Preferences	Moist, well-draining loam or sandy-loam; slightly acidic to neutral
Spacing & Height	0.8–1 m spacing; grows 0.6–1 m tall and wide
Propagation Method(s)	Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings; easy to root
Planting Timeline	Best planted in spring or early autumn
Companion Plants	Rosemary, lavender, grasses, strawflowers, heathers
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses	Not edible; valued for ornamental structure and pollinator attraction
Pest / Disease Considerations	Watch for root rot in poorly drained soils; occasional aphids
Pruning / Harvest Notes	Light prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense foliage

Quick Plant Reference

• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

• Optimal Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers regular moisture but dislikes waterlogging

• Mature Size: 0.6–1 m (2–3.3 ft) tall and wide

• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral

• Humidity: Medium

• Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic

• Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, hoverflies

• Health Benefits: None edible; provides habitat and nectar

• Chilling Hours: Not applicable

• Pollination Requirements: Not applicable (ornamental shrub)

Our Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ Application @ Tough Kraut

Our relationship with Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ started during our 2025 wedding anniversary trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park. With permission from the property owner of our accommodation, we took three softwood cuttings from a beautifully rounded, half-meter-wide mother plant. Two of these were potted on our land: one placed in front of the porch and one set below our Mimosas where a tarp with slightly raised edges collects water naturally. The third cutting found a home beside a cactus, rosemary, and a strawberry tree.Only the Mimosa-sheltered cutting has survived so far, thriving in its moist microclimate with minimal oversight. Our plan is to propagate new cuttings from this resilient survivor and gradually expand our collection across the homestead.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Note: If your Hebe is wilting, developing brown leaf edges, or failing to root from cuttings, browse the Field Notes below where common troubleshooting and FAQ entries are woven into practical solutions.

1. Choose the Right Site

Select a location with morning sun and afternoon protection, especially in Mediterranean Zone 8a summers. Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ prefers cooler roots and stable moisture.

2. Prepare the Soil

Loosen soil to 20–30 cm depth and amend with compost for drainage and moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay areas unless heavily amended with grit or sand.

3. Plant the Shrub

Set the plant at soil level. Backfill firmly and water deeply. In containers, choose a pot at least 20–25 cm wide with high-quality potting mix.

4. Water Consistently

Water 2–3 times weekly during the first summer. Hebe dislikes drying out completely, but also resents soggy roots. Use mulch to moderate moisture swings.

5. Ensure Proper Pollination

Not required, though flowering is improved when plants receive adequate sun and aren’t stressed by heat or drought.

6. Prune Annually

After flowering, lightly trim spent flower spikes and shape the plant. This encourages dense foliage and prevents legginess.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Check for aphids or scale, especially in spring. Treat early with neem or insecticidal soap. Avoid overhead irrigation to reduce mildew risk.

8. Harvest and Store

No edible harvests. Cuttings can be taken in late spring or midsummer for propagation. Store potted plants in sheltered spots during heatwaves.

9. Note

If leaves turn pale or growth stalls, check soil drainage and sun exposure. Hebes often decline in prolonged heat or nutrient-poor soils. A mid-spring compost top-up typically restores vigor.

Kraut Crew Insight

Our surviving Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ taught us the power of microclimates. The moist, shaded space under the Mimosas turned out to be perfect, while the more exposed porch and mixed dry bed proved too harsh. Lesson learned: even tough shrubs appreciate a little comfort when growing roots.

Photos

Close-up of the mother plant we propagated from, taken on our Peneda-Gerês stay in 2025.

The original Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ shrub we took cuttings from, photographed in 2025.

December 07, 2025

December 07, 2025

Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ Cultivation Challenges

Growing Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ in Mediterranean Zone 8a conditions can raise a few FAQ-style questions around heat tolerance, moisture needs, and rooting success. Below is our troubleshooting log, backed by lived experience and real homestead tests.

Q: My Hebe looks wilted in the afternoon. Is it dying?

A: Probably not. Hebes often flag during peak heat. Provide afternoon shade or move container plants to protected zones.

Q: Why are the leaf tips turning brown?

A: Most likely underwatering or hot, reflective surfaces nearby. Increase watering slightly and mulch generously.

Q: Cuttings are failing to root. What’s wrong?

A: Hebe cuttings root best when taken from semi-soft new growth, dipped in rooting hormone, and kept evenly moist but not wet.

Q: Leaves are losing their variegation. Is this normal?

A: Yes, especially in deeper shade. More sun restores leaf variegation but be cautious with direct afternoon exposure.

Q: The plant suddenly collapsed. Why?

A: Root rot is the biggest risk. Improve drainage, lift the plant slightly, and avoid standing water around the crown.

Recommended Books & Resources

Books

• Hebes: A Guide to Species, Hybrids and Allied Genera by Lawrie Metcalf

  A specialist deep dive into Hebe and allied genera, covering origin, classification, cultivation, and an A–Z of species and cultivars – ideal if you want to truly understand where Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ fits in the wider shrubby Veronica world.

• Garden Plants for Mediterranean Climates by Graham Payne

  A broad A–Z reference to more than 1,000 plants suited to Mediterranean-style climates, with photos and practical cultivation notes that help you place your Hebes alongside other sun- and drought-adapted shrubs.

• The Dry Garden by Beth Chatto

  A classic on designing gardens around dry, well-drained conditions rather than fighting them, packed with plant suggestions, foliage combinations, and real-world lessons that translate directly to Mediterranean Zone 8a shrubby borders.

• RHS Propagating Plants: How to Grow Plants for Free by Alan Toogood / RHS

  A visual step-by-step guide to propagation, including softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings, making it perfect for turning one happy Hebe × andersonii ‘Variegata’ into a whole hedge of shrubby veronicas.

Resources

• Royal Horticultural Society – Hebe Collection

  A trusted reference on Hebe cultivars, care, and propagation.

• Tough Kraut Resources

  Tools, organic sprays, and homestead essentials curated for practical, real-world gardening on our off-grid land.

Entry last updated: 2025-12-07

This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.