Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Hebe
Species: Hebe x franciscana cv.
Cultivar name: Hebe 'Combe Royal'
Synonyms: Hebe x franciscana 'Blue Gem', Hebe 'Blue Gem'.
Common names: Hebe 'Blue Gem', Hebe 'Combe Royal'
Hebe 'Combe Royal' is a hybrid (Hebe x franciscana cultivar) raised in 1856 by John Luscombe of 'Combe Royal.' Knightsbridge, Devon, United Kingdom. The parents, Hebe speciosa and Hebe elliptica are both found naturally in New Zealand with the latter also inhabiting southern South America and the Malvinas/Falkland Islands. It is an easily propagated, easy to maintain salt-tolerant vigorous shrub with large rounded glossy green leaves. It grows well on the coast and produces much of the summer a constant display of fragrant violet/blue flowers fading almost to white. The flowers are sweet-smelling, and are much visited by bees; it has been known to be continuously in flower for over 2 years at a stretch. It grows to a height of 1.5 to 2m with a similar spread.
In colder areas winter protection may be needed as frost damage can occur to the foliage and tips.
A plant with blue flowers.
A young plant
Top surface of a leaf.
Underside of a leaf..
