Digger's Speedwell
- Scientific Name: Parahebe perfoliate
- Garden: Beneficial Insects and Compost Garden, Wildlife Garden
- Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen
- Sun/Shade Exposure: Full Sun or Part Shade
- Moisture Requirements: Moist, well-drained
Plant Information
“It looks like a Eucalyptus!” Well yes this evergreen trailing perennial does possess perfoliate round leaves that wrap around the stem. To 30” tall upright and then sprawling. In mid-summer soft periwinkle lilac flower spikes appear and are showy for weeks. Full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Forms an expanding clump. Unique perennial endemic to Tasmania and closely related to Hebes. Tired bedraggled plants may be cut to the ground in early spring to regrow. Mulch in fall. Light, regular summer water. Culture: Light, well-drained moist soil in a sheltered and warm location. Parahebes can tolerate part shade. Maintenance: Parahebes are semi-evergreen or evergreen. Leave old growth on during winter to protect the crown but cut back stems hard in early spring. Also, cutting back flowers after the first bloom encourages a new flush of blooms. Pests and Diseases: Parahebe are susceptible to slugs and mildew. Plant type: Herbaceous perennial Biomes/Growing conditions: Oregon Coast Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade USDA Hardiness zone: Zn7b 10º to 5ºF Foliage color: Blue Foliage season: Evergreen