Hebe franciscana 'Lobelioides'

268-115D4 Hebe franciscana 'Lobelioides'
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	This venerable evergreen shrub is a cross between H. eliptica and H. speciosa made by Isaac Anderson-Henry in Scotland before 1862. Hebe eliptica is an especially cold hardy plant but it did not pass that trait on to this cross. Unfortunately, Hebe x franciscana 'Lobelioides' is somewhat tender, like Hebe speciosa. The winning trait that H. speciosa brings to this cross, however, is the ability to stand up to coastal weather. This cross is upright in habit and can easily be used for hedging. Lawrie Metcalf, author of the book Hebes, praises this hebe because it needs little care and does not require cutting back to promote new growth. The large obovate leaves measure up to an inch and a half. They are margined in blush red. The flower clusters are quite showy appearing from the leaf axils near the top of the shrub. Summer 5 ft. x 6 ft. Violet Blue flowers *Sun, Part Shade Zones 8, 9, 10*