Veronica speciosa – Napuka (Hebe)

A striking native evergreen shrub with large, glossy, dark-green leaves and spectacular spikes of rich purple to magenta flowers. Its vibrant blooms attract bees and other pollinating insects, making it a wonderful addition to coastal gardens and native landscaping. Naturally adapted to exposed coastal environments, napuka provides year-round structure, colour and shelter.

Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Tolerates coastal winds and salt spray, but benefits from shelter in colder areas. Ideal for coastal gardens, native borders, hedging and feature planting. Note: Propagated from cuttings of a well-established hedge that has thrived in Ōkārito for many years, demonstrating its suitability for local coastal garden conditions this is locally propagated, but likely originates from the North Island.

Height/Spread: 1–2 m / 1–2 m

Leaves: Large, thick, glossy, dark-green oval leaves, approximately 4–8 cm long

Flowering Time: November to March, sometimes extending longer in favourable conditions; showy purple to magenta flower spikes

Growth Rate: Medium to fast