Week 16: Hebe Spp; Red Edge.

pH 7.5 ALKALINE

Common Name: Red Edge

Latin Name: Hebe Albicans 

Type: Evergreen shrubs/small trees

Location: Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury. 

Ultimate height: 0.1 - 0.5m

Ultimate spread: 0.1 - 0.5m

Located Hebe Albican height: 300-400mm

Overall shape: Hebe Albicans have an irregular form

Leaf Shape: It's oblong leaves are blue/grey with a red coloured lining, especially during the winter period. 

Preferred soil type: The best soil type for Red Edge is in moist but well drained soil. Sand, Loam, Clay and Chalk are all good examples of these materials.

Fruit/Flowers: Racemes or spikes of four lobed mauve/white flowers which have a tubular shape, flowers are present during both summer and autumn months. 

Distribution: Red Edge is native of the higher grounds and mountains in New Zealand.

I located this specie within a boarder congested by both tree and shrub planting within the Fletcher Moss Park. The boarder was in close proximity to the Fletcher Moss parking facility entrance, and sat adjacent to the main site walkway/driveway. None native to England, I assume this plant has been intentionally planted to provide a low growing shrub to the planting bed. It seemed healthy, indicating that it was getting the correct nutrition. Its growing tendencies meant it was leaning over the walkway/driveway and could be subject to damage. Whilst I was observing this plant, a staff gardner had driven past this specie and had brushed it with his vehicle, fortunately causing no damage; repetition of this may cause distress and/or damage to the plant in the long run. Its location provided maximum exposure to the elements allowing this plant to thrive accordingly.