The landscape evaluation of Hebe at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) was established in 2000. The purpose of the planting is to compare performance of a range of Hebe species and cultivars under typical western Oregon conditions and gather information on their landscape performance. One of the main goals of this trial was to develop comparative data on hardiness of Hebe cultivars and species and identify cultivars that were capable of tolerating typical cold events in a Pacific Northwest winter. In addition to assessing hardiness, other goals were to record flowering and growth information on the various cultivars and species, and also any pest or disease problems.

          The first 48 clones of Hebe were planted in 2000. Over the following 4 years, plants were received from cooperators, usually as unrooted cuttings. These were rooted, grown on to 4" or 1 gallon-sized plants, and added to the evaluation each April. In 2001, 88 clones were added to the planting, and in 2002, an additional 45 clones were added. In 2003, 80 were added, and a final 33 clones were planted in 2004. Primarily because of plant losses to cold and to some extent disease, the evaluation consists of 201 clones in November, 2006.

          The planting consists of a 0.4-acre plot, with 16 double rows, with individual plants spaced at 3' by 3' within each double row. Three plants of each clone have been planted to allow statistical evaluation of data, although because of the sequential planting over several years, the plants are not randomly distributed in the evaluation, but planted in groups of three. Planting occurs once per year, in April or May, to allow for good plant establishment before winter. Following planting, each row is mulched with bark dust.

          Each established plant is fertilized with 2 tbs of 13-13-13, while each new plant receives ½ tbs of the same fertilizer. A 5' wide grass strip separates each row for access. A micro sprinkler irrigation system was installed with the assistance of a grant from the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon

Meteorological data, including daily maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall and wind speed, are available from the US Bureau of Reclamation Agrimet weather station installed in 1998, located immediately adjacent to the plot (http://www.usbr.gov/pn/agrimet/)

          Plants have come from a variety of sources in the western United States and Canada, including nurseries in Oregon, the University of California (Santa Cruz) Arboretum, Strybing Arboretum in San Francisco, Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle and the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden in Vancouver, B.C. However, the majority of the collection has been provided by cooperators the New Zealand and the United Kingdom, including Lincoln Botanical, Landcare Research and Christchurch Botanic Garden (New Zealand) and individuals within The Hebe Society (U.K.).