Read practical advice
Explore straightforward guides for choosing, using and caring for garden products.
Visit the Advice CentreOutdoor plants
Product information
Everything useful in one place, with the most important information kept separate from the buying controls above.
About this product
Hebe 'Magic Summer'
Hebe 'Magic Summer' (syn. Veronica 'Magic Summer')
2 litre pot
Plant Highlights: Lavender-blue flower spikes • Variegated evergreen foliage • Colourful reddish-purple new growth • Compact bushy habit • Ideal for borders and patio containers
Overview
Hebe 'Magic Summer' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for both its attractive variegated foliage and long-lasting summer flowers. Its grey-green leaves are neatly edged with white, while fresh new growth emerges with attractive reddish-purple tones, providing colourful interest before maturing. From summer into early autumn, the plant produces abundant spikes of soft lavender-blue to purple flowers that stand above the foliage and attract bees and other pollinating insects.
Supplied in a 2 litre pot, this neat, bushy shrub is an excellent choice for smaller gardens, mixed borders and patio containers. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure, while the colourful new growth and summer flowers bring season-long interest.
Why We Love It
- Attractive variegated foliage provides interest throughout the year.
- Colourful reddish-purple new shoots add extra seasonal appeal.
- Lavender-blue flower spikes attract bees and other pollinators.
- Naturally compact habit suits smaller gardens and containers.
- Easy to combine with ornamental grasses, lavender and other sun-loving plants.
Plant Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Hebe 'Magic Summer' (syn. Veronica 'Magic Summer') |
| Common Name | Hebe |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub |
| Foliage | Variegated grey-green leaves with white margins and reddish-purple young growth |
| Flowers | Lavender-blue to soft purple flower spikes |
| Flowering Season | Summer to early autumn |
| Growth Habit | Compact, bushy |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position |
| Soil | Fertile, well-drained soil |
| Mature Height | Approximately 50–60 cm |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 50–60 cm |
| Hardiness | Hardy in many Irish gardens (approximately RHS H4). Best grown in a sheltered position with free-draining soil and protected from severe winter conditions. |
Growing Guide
Position
Grow in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Good light encourages the best foliage colour and flowering, while protection from cold, drying winds helps maintain healthy evergreen growth.
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season while establishing. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, particularly for container-grown plants.
Soil
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground during winter, as Hebes perform best where excess moisture drains away freely.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Hebe 'Magic Summer' is hardy in most Irish gardens when planted in a sheltered position with well-drained soil. In colder or more exposed locations, container-grown plants may benefit from winter protection during prolonged frost.
Routine Care
Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushy growth. Avoid cutting back into old, leafless wood, as regrowth from mature stems may be limited.
Perfect For
- Mixed shrub borders
- Patio pots and containers
- Coastal gardens
- Courtyard gardens
- Pollinator-friendly planting
Good to Know
The reddish-purple and pink tones are produced by the fresh young foliage rather than the flowers, while the blooms themselves are soft lavender-blue to purple. The 2 litre pot refers to the volume of the nursery container at the time of sale and not the mature size of the shrub.
Product Information
- Supplied in a 2 litre nursery pot
- Evergreen shrub
- Variegated evergreen foliage with colourful new growth
- Lavender-blue flower spikes during summer
- Suitable for borders and containers
- Best grown in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil
Growing & care
- Plant type
- shrub
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Free draining
- Mature size
- 60cm high· 60cm wide
- Flowering
- Summer to early autumn· Purple· Blue· Multicolour
- Foliage
- evergreen
Useful to know
Good for containersGood for bordersPollinator friendly
Choose with confidence
Find the right plant for your space
Use the Plant Finder, practical advice or our in-store team before deciding.
See it before choosing
Visit Easy Garden to compare products in person and speak with our team.
Plan your visit