Synopses & Reviews
The genus Hebe is a treasure trove of more than 100 species and subspecies of medium-sized to dwarf evergreen shrubs with outstanding ornamental features, both of flower and leaf. Native to New Zealand, these plants are grown in Australia, the western United States, the United Kingdom, and continental Europe. Many species boast handsome foliage, ranging from a rich, glittering green to gray, silver, bronze, red, and violet. This definitive volume provides a wealth of information about the native habitats, preferred growing conditions, cultivation, and history of hebes, and an A-Z guide to all the known species and most horticulturally valuable hybrids. Also included are the many attractive Hebe relatives: Heliohebe, ×Heohebe, Parahebe, and Chionohebe. For gardeners, growers, and nurseries, this is the definitive volume on these aristocrats among ornamental shrubs.
Synopsis
The genus Hebe is a treasure trove of more than 100 species and subspecies of medium-sized to dwarf evergreen shrubs with outstanding ornamental features, both of flower and leaf. For gardeners, growers, and nurseries, this is the definitive volume on these aristocrats among ornamental shrubs.
About the Author
Lawrie Metcalf is among the world's leading experts on the flora of New Zealand. He has worked in botanical gardens in Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, was assistant director of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in New Zealand, and from 1977 to 1992 was director of parks and recreation for the Invercargill City Council. He is a recipient of the prestigious Gold Veitch Memorial Medal, the highest honor that the Royal Horticultural Society awards to people outside the U.K. He is the author of several books on native New Zealand plants and has received numerous horticultural honors and awards. Prior to writing Hebes, he was the researcher and compiler of the International Register of Hebe Cultivars.