Hebe 'Rhubarb & Custard'

Hebe 'Rhubarb & Custard'

2L nursery pot

Plant Highlights: Colourful variegated evergreen foliage • Attractive violet-purple flower spikes • Compact, rounded habit • Excellent for containers and borders • Loved by bees and other pollinators

Overview

Hebe 'Rhubarb & Custard' is a distinctive evergreen shrub bred by Tully Nurseries in Ireland and admired for its vibrant year-round foliage. The small, glossy leaves are variegated in shades of grey-green and cream, with attractive pink flushes that deepen to rich rosy-red tones during cooler weather, providing exceptional colour through every season.

From early to late summer, neat spikes of violet-purple flowers rise above the colourful foliage, attracting bees and other pollinating insects. Its naturally compact, rounded habit makes it an excellent choice for patio containers, front-of-border planting, coastal gardens and smaller outdoor spaces where reliable evergreen structure is valued.

Why We Love It

• Beautiful variegated foliage provides year-round interest.
• Pink winter colouring adds extra seasonal appeal.
• Violet-purple flowers attract bees and pollinating insects.
• Compact habit is ideal for smaller gardens and containers.
• Easy to grow and simple to maintain.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in full sun or partial shade. A sheltered position encourages the best foliage colour and flowering while protecting the evergreen leaves from cold, drying winds.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system. Once established, water during prolonged dry periods, particularly when grown in containers.

Soil

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid sites that remain waterlogged during winter, as good drainage is essential for healthy growth.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Suitable for most Irish gardens when planted in well-drained soil. In colder or more exposed locations, provide shelter from severe winter winds. Container-grown plants may benefit from additional protection during prolonged hard frosts.

Routine Care

Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh growth. Remove any dead or damaged shoots in spring. Avoid cutting back into old wood with little active growth.

Perfect For

• Patio containers.
• Front of borders.
• Cottage gardens.
• Coastal gardens.
• Pollinator-friendly planting.
• Year-round evergreen structure.

Good to Know

'Rhubarb & Custard' was bred by Tully Nurseries in Ireland and is particularly valued for its colourful foliage, which intensifies during cooler weather. The changing leaf colours provide ornamental interest even when the plant is not in flower.

Product Information

• Botanical name: Hebe 'Rhubarb & Custard'
• Supplied in a 2L nursery pot.
• Evergreen flowering shrub.
• Pot size refers to the plant at the time of sale and not its eventual mature size.