Hebe 'Red Sunset'

Description and Characteristics

Hebe ‘Red Sunset’ is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its vivid foliage, year-round interest, and compact habit. Its small, ovate leaves emerge green and develop a rich red to burgundy flush, especially in cooler temperatures or full sun. The foliage colour intensifies in autumn and winter, creating a warm-toned focal point in mixed borders or containers.

Although Hebe ‘Red Sunset’ does produce small lilac or pale purple flower spikes in late spring to early summer, its main ornamental value lies in its striking leaf colour and neat form. This variety typically grows to around 40–50 cm tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for low hedging, edging, patio containers, or winter foliage interest in ornamental beds.

It’s well-suited for urban and coastal gardens, due to its compactness, wind tolerance, and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions.

• Evergreen foliage with red-purple tints, most intense in autumn and winter

• Compact, rounded form: 40–50 cm height and spread

• Occasional lilac flowers in late spring to early summer

• Excellent for structure, edging, containers, and winter colour

• Foliage colour intensifies in cool temperatures and bright light

• Attracts bees and butterflies when in bloom

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Hebe ‘Red Sunset’ is a low-maintenance, easy-care shrub, ideal for year-round planting in sunny, well-drained sites. It needs little intervention once established, making it perfect for low-maintenance schemes.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun for best foliage colour and compact growth

  • Will tolerate light shade, though colour may be less intense

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile to moderately poor soil

  • Tolerates sandy, loamy, or chalky soils

  • Avoid waterlogged sites; improve drainage in heavy soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season

  • Once established, drought-tolerant in most garden soils

  • In containers, maintain consistent moisture without saturation

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in spring

  • Potted plants benefit from monthly feeding during growing season

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead any spent flowers if visible

  • Lightly trim in early spring to maintain a rounded, compact shape

  • Avoid hard pruning into old wood, as regrowth may be limited

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy to approx. -5°C to -10°C (RHS H4–H5)

  • In colder regions or exposed sites, mulch at the base and protect with fleece

  • Container-grown plants should be moved to a sheltered spot in winter

• Propagation:

  • Can be propagated by softwood cuttings in summer

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Hebe ‘Red Sunset’ offers seasonal foliage contrast, compact form, and mild pollinator appeal, making it a standout in both formal and informal designs.

• Design Uses:

  • Perfect for low borders, edging paths, small hedging, and rock gardens

  • Excellent in containers for autumn/winter colour on patios or balconies

  • Adds depth to gravel gardens, modern landscapes, or evergreen beds

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with heuchera, euphorbia, lavender, stachys, and ornamental grasses

  • Contrasts with silver foliage plants (Artemisia, Santolina) and deep greens

  • Great with other compact hebes for year-round foliage interest

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • While flowering is modest, flowers attract bees and butterflies

  • A useful addition to pollinator gardens with long-season planting

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for pots due to size and shape

  • Use loam-based compost with added grit for drainage

  • Position in full sun for best leaf colour

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Ensure good air circulation and drainage to prevent root rot

  • Occasionally subject to aphids or mildew if stressed

• Size
  2 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.