Peter Dowdall: Why hebe is an evergreen garden goddess

Peter Dowdall is a fan of the shrub named after the deity associated with youth in ancient Greece

The hebe is a plant mostly native to New Zealand. Picture: iStock

Most gardeners have a few plants which which get under our skin, a particular genus which demands more attention than others — and which if you’re not careful can become an addiction. I am particularly enchanted by hebes among others. I have gone through periods of being “addicted” to rhododendrons and azaleas, camellias, campanulas and many other genera over the years but ever since I was a small child I can remember being mesmerised by these evergreen shrubs.

I still recall cracking open leaf buds to reveal the foliage inside and loving the flowers.