Strawberries & Cream Hebe Plants

• Type: Compact evergreen shrub
• Height: 45cm
• Spread: 45cm
• Flowers: July to September
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates chalk
• Hardiness: H4 (hardy in most of UK)
• Pot size supplied: 2 litre

Strawberries and Cream Hebe – Pink Tips Fading to White

Hebe Strawberries and Cream is one of the most distinctive compact hebes in the range. From midsummer through to early autumn it produces slender flower spikes — clear pink at the tips, fading to white at the base — held above neat, waxy evergreen foliage that pushes out new growth in a deep, striking purple. Compact to 45cm in height and spread, it earns its place in a border or pot long after the flowers have finished: the foliage stays on all year, and the rounded habit needs no intervention to keep it looking tidy.

This is a PBR-protected variety (sold as Hebe ‘Tullystraw’), bred for compact habit and a long, reliable flowering season. It performs best in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil — rich, moist conditions encourage lush, cold-vulnerable growth. In a container, John Innes No. 2 with added grit works well. A sheltered spot in sun or partial shade suits it across most of the UK. It is particularly well suited to coastal positions, handling salt winds that would damage many other garden plants.

Planting and Growing Strawberries and Cream Hebe

Hebes can go in at any time of year from container stock, though spring and autumn are ideal — the soil is warm and moist, and the plant establishes with minimal stress. No routine pruning is needed. A light trim with shears after the main flush of flowering will keep the shape compact and tidy; avoid cutting into old wood, which does not regenerate. In cold areas, a mulch over the roots in autumn will protect against the worst of the weather. Once settled, Strawberries and Cream is drought-tolerant, long-lived, and largely trouble-free.

Planting Companions

The pink-and-white flower spikes of Strawberries and Cream sit very well alongside other compact hebes with complementary colour. Heartbreaker Hebe adds mauve flower spikes and variegated leaves with a pink winter flush, while Marshmallow Hebe brings soft pink tones on a similarly compact frame. For contrast in a sunny border, the silver foliage of lavender makes a classic partner — Hidcote or Munstead work especially well — from our lavender collection. All three combinations work equally well in a large container grouping.

Why Ashridge?

Ashridge Nurseries has been named Best Plant Supplier by Which? Gardening and holds the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, both based on customer recommendations. We grow in peat-free compost, use biological pest controls wherever possible, and guarantee every plant we send. Browse our full hebe collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Hebe Strawberries and Cream flower?

From midsummer through to early autumn — typically July to September in most UK gardens. The flowering period can extend into October in mild or sheltered positions.

How big does Strawberries and Cream Hebe get?

It reaches around 45cm in both height and spread. It is a naturally compact variety and needs no pruning to hold its rounded shape.

Is Hebe Strawberries and Cream hardy?

Yes — it is rated H4, meaning it is reliably hardy across most of the UK. In very cold or exposed inland gardens, a light mulch in autumn gives extra root protection.

Can I grow Strawberries and Cream Hebe in a pot?

It grows well in a container. Use John Innes No. 2 with added grit for drainage, choose a pot at least 30cm across, and water regularly through summer. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser once a month from April to August.

Does Hebe Strawberries and Cream attract bees?

Yes. The flower spikes are a reliable source of nectar for bees and butterflies from midsummer onwards. This makes it a useful addition to any wildlife-friendly planting.

Do I need to prune it?

No regular pruning is required. A light trim with shears after flowering keeps the plant compact and can extend its productive life. Never cut back into old wood — hebes do not regenerate from hard pruning.