Bred by renowned plantsman and Hebe breeder Jack Hobbs, Hebe 'The Gardener' was so-named to mark the 80th Anniversary of New Zealand Gardener magazine. 'The Gardener' was selected for its outstanding garden performance and uniquely coloured pinky-lilac flowers, which appear for a long period from late spring through to autumn. It has a low spreading form and demonstrates excellent disease resistance. Plant in a sunny position in free draining soil, fertilise annually with a long term slow release fertiliser and trim lightly, after flowering, to maintain shape. Evergreen.