Hebe Wild Romance

Description and Characteristics

Hebe ‘Wild Romance’ is a compact, evergreen shrub celebrated for its richly coloured foliage and subtle seasonal flowers. This distinctive variety stands out with its dark green leaves edged in deep burgundy, which become more pronounced in cool weather or when exposed to full sun. Though it does flower, the main appeal of ‘Wild Romance’ lies in its foliage contrast and neat, rounded habit, providing all-season interest.

Growing to around 40–60 cm in height and 50–70 cm in spread, it maintains a dense, dome-shaped form with minimal pruning. In summer, it produces small mauve to lilac flower spikes, which attract pollinators but remain secondary to its bold foliage.

Perfect for containers, low borders, edging, or structure planting, Hebe ‘Wild Romance’ adds colour and texture even during the dormant seasons and thrives in mild climates, urban gardens, or coastal areas.

• Evergreen foliage with deep green centres and burgundy-tinged margins

• Produces small lilac or mauve flowers in summer

• Height: 40–60 cm; Spread: 50–70 cm

• Naturally rounded and compact—ideal for structure and edging

• Excellent for year-round foliage contrast and container gardening

• Attracts bees and butterflies when in bloom

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Hebe ‘Wild Romance’ is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance shrub that performs well in sunny, well-drained positions. It requires little more than seasonal trimming and is ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.

• Light Requirements:

  • Performs best in full sun, which intensifies the burgundy foliage

  • Tolerates light shade, but leaf colour may be less vibrant

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates sandy, loamy, or chalky soils

  • Avoid poorly drained, heavy clay soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly in the first growing season to establish roots

  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant

  • In containers, water consistently but avoid soggy conditions

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser

  • Potted plants benefit from monthly liquid feed during growing season

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead flower spikes to neaten appearance if desired

  • Lightly trim in early spring or after flowering to maintain shape

  • Avoid hard pruning into old wood

• Winter Care:

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

  • In colder regions, mulch around the base and shelter from drying winds

  • Container-grown plants should be protected in a cold frame or porch over winter

Design Applications, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Hebe ‘Wild Romance’ is a stylish, compact evergreen ideal for gardens seeking foliage interest, structure, and seasonal colour contrast. It suits both modern and traditional planting schemes.

• Design Uses:

  • Ideal for front-of-border edging, small hedges, mixed containers, or rock gardens

  • Excellent for winter interest in otherwise dormant beds

  • Works well in urban, contemporary, or minimalist garden designs

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with heuchera, lavender, santolina, euphorbia, and silver-leaved plants like Stachys or Artemisia

  • Blends nicely with other compact Hebes for texture and bloom diversity

  • Adds year-round contrast next to ornamental grasses or evergreen ferns

• Pollinator Support:

  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Offers summer nectar despite being a foliage-focused variety

  • Valuable for biodiversity-friendly borders and planters

• Container Use:

  • A top choice for pots on patios, balconies, and driveways

  • Use loam-based compost with added grit for drainage

  • Combine with trailing or upright perennials for mixed displays

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Can suffer root rot in poorly drained soil—ensure sharp drainage

  • Occasionally susceptible to aphids or mildew in humid or confined areas

• Size
  17 cm

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.