Haast's Hebe
Veronica haastii
Veronica haastii , commonly known as Haast's Hebe, is a remarkable true alpine subshrub endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. This specialized member of the Veronica genus (formerly Hebe ) is a master of survival in the high mountains, typically found at elevations between 1200 and 2100 meters. Named after the explorer and geologist Julius von Haast, it is easily identified by its low-growing, decumbent habit and its exceptionally thick, fleshy leaves arranged in four precise rows. Thriving on unstable rock debris and stable scree slopes, it is a signature plant of the Canterbury and Marlborough mountain ranges. For the alpine gardener, Haast's Hebe offers a unique architectural form and a stunning display of white summer flowers, representing the rugged beauty of New Zealand's alpine heights.
Plant Description
Haast's Hebe is a low-growing, spreading subshrub that rarely exceeds 20 cm in height but can spread slowly to form a mat up to 40 cm across. Its stems are semi-woody, procumbent (lying along the ground), and bear numerous erect, leafy twigs. The branchlets are covered in a dense arrangement of small, overlapping leaves that give the stems a square-like or geometric appearance when viewed from above.
The leaves are the most distinctive feature: they are thick, fleshy, and leathery, measuring up to 12 mm long. They are rounded or broadly ovate, often with a subtle notch at the tip, and their bases are joined together with the opposing leaf pair. The colour is typically a dull dark green, often flushed with reddish-purple on the margins and undersides, especially in high UV environments. In summer (December to February), the plant produces short, dense flower spikes (racemes) at the branch tips. Each spike is crowded with small white flowers, sometimes with faint purple veins. The fruit is a small, flattened dry capsule that ripens in late summer and autumn.
Quick Facts
Plant Specifications
| Scientific Name | Veronica haastii |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Height | 10-20 cm |
| Growth Form | Prostrate to decumbent subshrub |
| Foliage | Thick, fleshy, overlapping dark green/reddish leaves |
| Flowers | Small white terminal clusters; Summer |
| Light | Full sun (high light) |
| Soil | Stony, shingly, extremely well-drained |
| Hardiness | Very hardy to extreme frost and snow |
| Water Needs | Moderate; requires drainage but consistent moisture |
| Spread | 20-40 cm |
| Frost Tolerance | Very High |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Haast's Hebe is a specialist of the cool-summer, cold-winter climates of New Zealand's Southern Alps. It is built to withstand heavy snowfall, fierce alpine winds, and intense UV radiation. It thrives in Canterbury and Marlborough mountains. It is not suitable for the warm, humid lowlands of the North Island, where it would quickly succumb to root rot and heat stress.
Regional Suitability
| Whangārei | Not Recommended |
| Auckland | Not Recommended |
| Hamilton | Marginal (high-altitude only) |
| Rotorua | Suitable (cool site) |
| Tauranga | Not Recommended |
| Gisborne | Not Recommended |
| New Plymouth | Not Recommended |
| Whanganui | Not Recommended |
| Palmerston North | Marginal |
| Napier | Not Recommended |
| Wellington | Suitable (exposed cool site) |
| Nelson | Ideal (in mountains) |
| Christchurch | Ideal (requires cool root run) |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|
Plant Habitat
Naturally, Veronica haastii is an alpine rock specialist. It is found almost exclusively on the South Island, particularly in the drier eastern ranges. Its habitat consists of open, high-altitude sites such as stable screes, rock debris slopes, and ledges on rocky outcrops. It grows at elevations from 1200 meters up to nearly 2200 meters. These sites are characterized by extreme drainage, low nutrient availability, and a long period of winter snow cover. It is often found growing alongside other alpine specialists such as Celmisia species and Ranunculus haastii (Scree Buttercup).
Plant Conservation
Haast's Hebe is currently classified as "Not Threatened." While it has a somewhat restricted natural range, its remote alpine habitats remain largely intact and free from the development pressures that affect lowland species. However, like all true alpines, it is a "climate canary." As temperatures rise, its mountain-top habitat may shrink, and competition from lower-altitude plants could increase. Monitoring of alpine plant communities is essential to understand the long-term impacts of climate change on these specialized high-altitude survivors.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Demands extreme drainage. It must be grown in a shingly, rocky, or gravelly medium that mimics a mountain scree. It dislikes organic-rich or water-retentive soils.
- Shingly or gravelly mix
- Extremely free-draining
- Low organic matter
Light Requirements
Requires full sun and high light levels. It needs an open, exposed position with excellent airflow. Stagnant air or shade will quickly lead to fungal issues and the loss of its compact form.
- Full sun (high light)
- Open and exposed
- Excellent airflow essential
Water Requirements
While it needs perfect drainage, it also requires consistent moisture at the root zone - mimicking the dampness found deep beneath an alpine scree. It should never be allowed to dry out completely.
- Consistent moisture at roots
- Avoid complete desiccation
- Water deeply in dry spells
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
The best time to plant is in early spring. Choose a specialized site such as an alpine trough, a rock crevice, or a dedicated scree garden. Dig a hole and fill the bottom with 5-10 cm of coarse gravel to ensure drainage. Use a planting mix of 70% stone chips (blue metal or greywacke) and 30% sandy loam. Gently place the plant, firm the chips around the base, and top with a thick layer of fine shingle. Water in once to settle. In lowland gardens, placing the plant on a south-facing slope or in a position that stays cool can help prevent heat stress during summer.
Ecological Role
Environmental Benefits
Haast's Hebe is a vital part of the high-altitude biodiversity of the Southern Alps. Its summer flowers are a magnet for specialized alpine insects, including native bees and the striking Peraxilla pollinators. By anchoring themselves in unstable scree, these subshrubs help to create small pockets of stability that allow other alpine herbs to establish.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
A connoisseur's plant for specialized environments:
- Primary species for alpine troughs
- Exceptional feature in rock and scree gardens
- Great for gravel-themed courtyards in cool climates
- Educational use in native alpine collections
Ecological Value
Supports high-altitude pollinators and contributes to scree stabilization.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
Haast's Hebe, like Julius von Haast who it is named after, is a symbol of the exploration and discovery of New Zealand's high-country wilderness. While not commonly used by Māori due to its remote habitat, it is a "treasure" of the Southern Alps and a testament to the extreme evolutionary paths taken by New Zealand's unique island flora.
Landscaping Uses
Garden Design Applications
In landscape design, Veronica haastii is used for its incredible geometric texture. The way its leaves stack in perfect rows makes it look like a piece of living coral or a carved stone. It is best used in minimalist designs where its form can be appreciated up close, such as in stone-lined troughs or as a repeated element in a dry gravel garden. It pairs beautifully with other silver or reddish alpine cushions like Raoulia (Vegetable Sheep).
Seasonal Care
Spring
Check for winter damage; ensure drainage isn't blocked by debris; minimal feeding.
Summer
Ensure consistent moisture during hot spells; monitor for the white flower flush.
Autumn
Optimal time for tidy-up; ensure shingle mulch is thick before winter.
Winter
Fully hardy; no protection needed; enjoy the reddish winter foliage tint.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
As a very slow-growing alpine, Haast's Hebe requires almost no pruning. The only maintenance needed is the occasional removal of any brown or dead twigs to keep the mat looking healthy. If it spreads too far for its trough, the edges can be very lightly trimmed in late spring. Always use sharp, sterilized tools to avoid introducing pathogens to the slow-growing wood.
How to Grow Haast's Hebe
From Seed
Propagation from seed is the most reliable way to produce healthy new plants. Collect the dry capsules in autumn. Sow the seeds on a tray of extra-gritty seed-raising mix. Cover with a very thin layer of fine stone chips. Place in a cool, bright spot - ideally a cold frame. Germination occurs in spring as the weather warms. Seedlings are slow-growing and should be kept in their shingly mix until large enough to transplant.
From Cuttings
Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in late summer. Select healthy, non-flowering twigs about 5 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the base in a rooting hormone. Plant in a mix of 80% coarse sand or perlite and 20% peat. maintain high humidity and provide bottom heat if possible. Success can be slow, with roots taking 2-3 months to form.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The biggest threat in cultivation is "lowland rot." This is caused by a combination of high humidity, stagnant air, and poor drainage. If the leaves start to turn black and mushy, the site is likely too wet or too still. Move the plant to a more exposed, windier position. In hot summers, the plant can "burn" if the roots get too warm; ensuring they are buried deep beneath a thick layer of shingle will help keep them cool.
Pests & Diseases
Remarkably pest-free in its preferred environment. It is not generally affected by the aphids or scales that target lowland shrubs. Its only real enemies are the fungal pathogens associated with damp, still, lowland air.
Bonus Tip
If you are growing Haast's Hebe in a pot, use a deep container. Even though the plant is small, it has a surprisingly long root system designed to reach moisture deep beneath the alpine stones.
