The name Hebe originates from Greek mythology where Hèbè was the name of the daughter of Hera and Zeus. This beautiful maiden was cupbearer of the gods and the goddesses of Mount Olympus, captivating them with her beauty and serving them sweet nectar and ambrosia. With the Hebe plants second name being speciosa (meaning handsome) one can see why this little shrub described as beautiful and handsome should be a must for any garden.
Hebe plants originate from New Zealand with Hebe speciosa ‘Wiri Joy’ and Hebe diosmifolia as subspecies of the original plants. Hebe ‘Wiri Joy’ is an evergreen shrub that has dark green, shiny leaves which are spear-shaped and approximately 5cm long. ‘Wiri Joy’ can grow to 80cm in high and will reach a width of approximately 60cm. ‘Wiri Joy’ has dense spikes of tiny 4-petalled flowers that are pink. As the flowers open the older flowers that occur at the bottom of the flower spike turn to a lighter shade of pink.
