Waterfall Parahebe
Veronica catarractae
Veronica catarractae , widely known by its former name Parahebe catarractae and commonly called the Waterfall Parahebe, is a delightful mat-forming subshrub endemic to New Zealand. As its specific name suggests (from the Latin for "waterfall"), this plant is a specialist of cool, moist environments, often found clinging to damp rock faces and riverbanks. It is beloved by gardeners for its profuse display of white to pale mauve flowers that feature delicate radiating purple lines, which can cover the plant from early summer through to late autumn. This versatile evergreen is an excellent choice for rock gardens, path edging, or as a lush groundcover in shaded or semi-shaded areas where consistent moisture is available.
Plant Description
Waterfall Parahebe is a deeply mat-forming subshrub with a mix of prostrate and ascending stems. It typically grows to a height of 15-30 cm but can spread extensively, often covering areas of 60 cm or more in diameter. The stems are semi-woody at the base and flexible. The leaves are deep green, leathery, and measure 1-4 cm in length. They are ovate to narrowly lanceolate and feature prominent, shallow teeth along the margins. The undersides of the leaves are often paler, sometimes appearing yellowish or whitish.
The flowers are the highlight of the species, produced in loose racemes that emerge from the upper leaf nodes. Each flower is approximately 10-12 mm across, usually white with a distinctive mauve or purple ocular ring and fine purple veins radiating across the petals. The primary flowering flush occurs from early summer to autumn, but in garden settings, it can often produce sporadic blooms throughout much of the year. The fruit is a small, dry, two-valved capsule.
Quick Facts
Plant Specifications
| Scientific Name | Veronica catarractae |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Height | 15-30 cm |
| Growth Form | Mat-forming subshrub |
| Foliage | Deep green, leathery, toothed leaves |
| Flowers | White with purple veins; Summer to Autumn |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun (if moist) |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, fertile |
| Hardiness | Hardy to moderate frost; likes cool root runs |
| Water Needs | Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture |
| Spread | 60-100 cm |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Waterfall Parahebe is best suited to cool, temperate, and moist climates. It thrives in high-rainfall districts where humidity levels remain relatively high. While it can be grown in full sun in cooler regions, it prefers partial shade in warmer, drier parts of the country to prevent the foliage from scorching. It is very hardy to typical New Zealand winter frosts but can suffer in extreme, prolonged freezing.
Regional Suitability
| Whangārei | Suitable (requires shade) |
| Auckland | Suitable (requires shade) |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Suitable (requires watering) |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|
Plant Habitat
Naturally, Veronica catarractae is an inhabitant of cool, shady, and rocky environments. It is most frequently found in the North Island, particularly in the more humid and elevated regions. Its preferred habitats include the margins of mountain streams, the spray zones of waterfalls, and damp, shaded rock faces in forest gorges. It often grows in shallow pockets of soil or directly on wet, mossy rock surfaces. It is a classic "lithophyte" (rock-dweller), adapted to environments where water is constantly available but never stagnant.
Plant Conservation
Waterfall Parahebe is currently classified as "Not Threatened." It remains common throughout much of its natural range, particularly in protected forest areas and national parks. However, like many specialized rock-dwelling plants, it can be vulnerable to habitat modification from river control works or the invasion of its moist, rocky niches by exotic weeds such as selaginella or wandering willie. Because it is so popular in the horticultural trade, many cultivars and garden-selected forms exist, ensuring its presence in the New Zealand garden landscape.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Thrives in fertile, well-drained but moisture-retentive soils. It is particularly happy in stony or gravelly mixes that mimic its natural mountain rock-face home.
- Rich in organic matter
- Free-draining but moist
- Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH
Light Requirements
Performs best in partial shade or dappled light. It can handle full sun in cool, high-rainfall districts, but in hotter areas, afternoon shade is essential to keep the plant lush.
- Dappled shade preferred
- Morning sun is ideal
- Avoid intense, dry midday sun
Water Requirements
Requires consistent moisture, especially during the summer months. It does not tolerate prolonged drought. If the soil dries out completely, the plant can quickly collapse.
- High water needs in summer
- Appreciates humidity
- Mulch to retain ground moisture
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
Plant in autumn or spring. Choose a spot that is naturally cool and moist, such as the edge of a pond, a shaded rockery, or the front of a garden border. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and enrich with compost or leaf mould. If planting in a container, use a high-quality potting mix with added pumice or grit to ensure drainage while retaining moisture. Plant firmly and water in thoroughly. Provide a thick layer of fine bark or leaf mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stems.
Ecological Role
Environmental Benefits
Waterfall Parahebe provides valuable groundcover that helps to stabilize moist banks and keep soil temperatures low. Its long flowering season makes it an important nectar source for a variety of native insects, including hoverflies, native bees, and small butterflies. Its dense mat-forming habit also provides a moist microhabitat for beneficial invertebrates.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
A highly versatile and charming plant for any garden:
- Perfect for rock gardens and scree beds
- Excellent for path edging and spill-over planting
- Ideal groundcover for moist, shaded banks
- Great for containers and hanging baskets
Ecological Value
Supports a diverse range of native pollinators over a long season.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
While not having the same level of recorded rongoā (medicinal) use as the larger Koromiko ( V. stricta ), the Waterfall Parahebe is part of the important complex of "Hebe" species valued by Māori for their place in the forest ecosystem. Today, it is a symbol of New Zealand's beautiful mountain waterways and is a staple of ecological landscaping aimed at preserving the country's natural aesthetic.
Landscaping Uses
Garden Design Applications
In landscape design, Veronica catarractae is used to create a sense of lushness and detail. Its fine-textured leaves and delicate flowers are perfect for "softening" hard landscaping elements like stone steps, retaining walls, or pond edges. It is often used in mass plantings to create a flowering "river" through a shaded garden. Pairing it with larger-leaved shade plants like Hostas (if using exotics) or native ferns and Arthropodium (Renga Renga Lily) creates a beautiful contrast in form and texture.
Seasonal Care
Spring
Apply a liquid fertilizer or compost top-dressing; check for new growth flushes.
Summer
Ensure consistent watering; deadhead spent flower racemes to encourage more blooms.
Autumn
Optimal time for division and planting; reduce watering as temperatures fall.
Winter
Hardy to frost; tidy up any dead or damaged stems; protect from extreme southern freezes.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
This species benefits from a light trim after the main flowering period has finished. Simply shear the top 5-10 cm of growth to encourage a tighter, more compact mat and to promote another flush of flowers. It can also be pruned hard back to near ground level if it becomes too sparse or "leggy," and it will usually regrow vigorously from the base. Always use sharp, clean shears.
How to Grow Waterfall Parahebe
From Seed
Propagation from seed is possible but less common than cuttings. Collect ripe capsules in late autumn. Sow the tiny seeds onto a fine, moist seed-raising mix. Do not cover them, as they require light to germinate. Place in a cool, bright spot. Germination is usually fast, often within 2-4 weeks. Seedlings are delicate and should be kept in a humid environment until established.
From Cuttings
By far the easiest method. Cuttings can be taken at almost any time of the year. Select healthy, semi-ripe stems about 5-8 cm long. They often already have small roots starting where the stems touch the ground. Dip the end in rooting hormone and plant in a sandy potting mix. They root very quickly, often within 2-3 weeks.
From Division
Large, established mats can be easily divided in autumn or spring. Simply dig up a section of the mat, ensuring it has roots attached, and replant immediately in a moist, shaded spot. This is the fastest way to increase your stock of this plant.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The most common issue is drying out. If the plant looks wilted and the leaves are crisping, it needs immediate water. Conversely, in very poorly drained, stagnant soil, it can suffer from root rot. Ensure your soil is free-draining. In very humid, stagnant air, it can occasionally host aphids, which can be easily treated with a soap spray.
Pests & Diseases
Generally very resilient. It is much less prone to the leaf-spot diseases that affect many larger Veronica species. Occasionally targeted by aphids or spider mites in very dry, sheltered spots; increasing humidity and airflow usually solves the problem.
Bonus Tip
Waterfall Parahebe is excellent for "living mulch." Plant it at the base of larger native shrubs like Pittosporum or Coprosma in shaded areas. It will create a lush, flowering carpet that keeps the roots of the larger plants cool and moist while suppressing weeds.
