Parahebe perfoliata
DIGGER'S SPEEDWELL
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Pronounced: peh-rah-HAY-bay

Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Southeast Australia.
Plant Group:
Sub-shrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 5, 6, 15-17, 20-24. (See notes below.)
USDA zones: 7-10.
Mature size:
Height: 1 — 4 feet tall (.30-1.21 m).
Width: 3 feet wide (1 m).
Flowering period:
Late spring to early summer and if cut back, will flower again in late summer to fall.
Flowering attributes:
Racemes of lavender-blue, saucer-shaped flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Pairs of ovate, glaucous, gray-green or blue leaves.
Growth habit:
Clumper.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Poor to fertile, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost or manure in fall. Fertilize in spring with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in pots and place in cold frame as soon as ripe. | Take semi-ripe cuttings from early to midsummer.
Pruning Methods:
After flowers fade, trim plant to shape and deadhead spent flowers.
Pests and Diseases:
Slugs may be a problem for young plants.
Rainy Side Notes

Parahebe perfoliata is really a subshrub that we grow like a perennial. Unfortunately, it is not hardy in all areas of the Pacific Northwest. Although Sunset zone ratings don't include zone 4 in the parahebe listing, it appears to be hardier than they thought. It's worth growing even in the colder areas of our region. During a colder winter, if the plant dies down to the roots, it most likely will resprout again. In my garden (Sunset Zone 5), it is perfectly hardy, remains evergreen, and grows with much gusto. It is paired with the unmistakable orange-flowering perennial Trollius chinensis, which contrasts nicely with the lavender blue parahebe.
Once established, this Australian native, was resilient in my gardens, particularly during our extended summer dry spells. Its silver-green-to-blue leaves, a year-round feature, add a unique and captivating dimension of color to the garden. For those aiming for a Mediterranean-style garden, this plant is a perfect choice.
I prune them after they finish flowering in spring, cutting back the stems to just above a set of healthy leaves. This encourages new growth and ensures they bloom again in late summer. When not pruned, they do not rebloom later in the season.
Chosen as a Great Plant Pick for the Pacific Northwest, a designation given to plants that perform well in our region's unique climate and soil conditions, Parahebe perfoliata is perfect for our maritime gardens.


Photographed in author's garden.
A Pacific Northwest Plant of the Week (2012)

Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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