Native to New Zealand, hebes are versatile shrubs known for their stunning foliage and vibrant flowers. Easy to grow and low maintenance, they’re a staple in gardens of all sizes. With blooms that sometimes extend into the cooler months, hebes bring a year-round appeal. Here’s how to keep your hebes looking their best.

Position

Garden: Hebes thrive in full sun to partial shade, but full sun promotes optimal flowering and enhances the vibrancy of variegated varieties.

Pots: Ideal for container gardening, hebes can flourish in pots placed in well-lit areas.

Prepare Soil

Garden: While hebes adapt to various soils, they dislike waterlogged conditions. Improve drainage by mixing compost, such as Oderings Compost, into your garden soil before planting. Add a fertiliser tablet at the base of the planting hole for a nutrient boost.

Pots: Use a high-quality mix like Oderings Shrub & Tub for optimal growth.

Feed

Garden: While hebes generally take care of themselves, a spring application of Oderings Garden Replenish can encourage lush growth and vibrant flowers.

Pots: For potted hebes, use Oderings Total Replenish, which nourishes plants for up to six months.

Watering & Mulching

Watering: Once established, hebes are moderately drought-tolerant but will need watering during prolonged dry spells. For new plantings, ensure regular watering until roots are established.

Mulching: Apply mulch annually to maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature.

Pruning

Lightly prune hebes after flowering and again after frosts to encourage a compact, bushy shape. To rejuvenate older plants, gradually prune back one-third of the foliage each season until the desired size and shape are achieved.

Protection

Although extremely hardy, you should ideally protect young plants from severe frost, which can damage tender new growth. For extra protection, cover with frost cloth during particularly cold nights.

Common Pests and Diseases

Scale: Check for scale on the undersides of leaves and branches.

Sooty Mould: Often due to scale pests, sooty mould grows on the honeydew produced by scale. Prevent mould growth by promptly addressing scale infestations with suitable treatments.

Garden Expert Tip

Hebes are perfect for creating year-round interest in the garden. Mix different varieties to enjoy a range of foliage colours, shapes, and flower spikes. For added impact, combine hebes with grasses or perennial flowers in borders and containers.

Whether you want a showy garden feature, a container accent, or a tough plant for challenging locations, hebes will thrive with a little care and attention. These resilient plants are a fantastic choice for both seasoned and beginner gardeners.