HEBE Strawberries & Cream

Description and Characteristics

Hebe ‘Strawberries & Cream’ is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its bicolour flowers, neat rounded shape, and year-round visual appeal. It features dense clusters of two-tone pink and white flower spikes that bloom in summer and early autumn, contrasting beautifully with its glossy green foliage. The flowers start as rich pink buds, maturing to soft white, giving a "strawberries and cream" effect—hence the name.

This hebe typically reaches 50–60 cm in height with a slightly wider spread, forming a naturally rounded, mounding habit with no need for hard pruning. Its small, ovate, dark green leaves provide an attractive backdrop year-round, while its flowers draw in a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Thanks to its tidy form, long flowering season, and evergreen foliage, ‘Strawberries & Cream’ is ideal for borders, low hedging, patio containers, or urban and coastal planting schemes.

• Compact evergreen shrub with bicolour pink-and-white flowers

• Height: 50–60 cm; Spread: 60–70 cm

• Flowering time: June to September

• Dense, oval, glossy green foliage

• Excellent for containers, low borders, and pollinator gardens

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Hebe ‘Strawberries & Cream’ is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established and perfect for gardeners looking for year-round interest with minimal effort.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact growth

  • Tolerates light partial shade, especially in hot summer climates

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows well in well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates loamy, sandy, or chalky soils

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas—add grit to improve drainage

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots

  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant

  • For container-grown plants, maintain even moisture without saturation

• Feeding:

  • Feed in early spring with a general-purpose fertiliser

  • Container plants may benefit from monthly feeding during the growing season

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming

  • Lightly trim in spring or after flowering to maintain shape and density

  • Avoid cutting back into old wood, as regrowth may be limited

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 7–9 (RHS H4–H5)

  • In colder or exposed areas, apply mulch around the base and consider winter fleece protection

  • Container plants can be moved to a sheltered area or unheated greenhouse during harsh winters

Design Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

‘Strawberries & Cream’ offers a delightful combination of colour, structure, and pollinator value, making it a versatile choice for both traditional and modern garden styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for front-of-border planting, path edging, rockeries, and container gardens

  • Great for formal low hedging or softening hardscapes in patios or courtyards

  • Useful in coastal plantings, as it tolerates salt-laden winds

• Companion Plants:

  • Pair with lavender, erigeron, salvia, heuchera, and compact ornamental grasses

  • Blends well with other Hebes for a multi-season evergreen mix

  • Contrasts beautifully with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia or Stachys

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Rich source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Flowering period bridges the seasonal gap between early and late pollinator plants

  • Ideal for wildlife-friendly and low-maintenance planting schemes

• Container Use:

  • A great specimen for pots on patios, balconies, or entranceways

  • Use a gritty, free-draining compost and ensure containers have proper drainage holes

  • Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Occasional aphids may appear but rarely cause damage

  • Ensure good drainage and airflow to prevent root rot or mildew

• Size
  2 Litre

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.