Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hebe bush is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to between 2 and 4 feet tall. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and glossy in appearance. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.

Also called

• Astilbe
  
• Begonia
  
• Bromeliad
  
• Calla lily
  
• Canna
  

Things to Know

• Hebe bush is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be up to 10 feet tall.
  
• It has dark green leaves that are oval shaped and can be up to 4 inches long.
  
• The flowers of the hebe bush are white or pale pink and they bloom in the summer.
  
• Hebe bush is native to New Zealand but it can also be found in other parts of the world such as Australia, Chile, and the United Kingdom.
  
• It is a popular plant to use in gardens because it is easy to care for and it can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
  
• Hebe bush can be propagated from seed or cuttings and it is also sometimes grown as a houseplant.
  
• It is important to water hebe bush regularly and to fertilize it every few weeks during the growing season.
  
• Hebe bush is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases such as aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew.
  
• It is important to prune hebe bush regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking tidy.
  
• Hebe bush is a popular plant for bees and other pollinators.

Related plant:
Hebe Veronica

Growing Steps

1. For hebe bush, first step is to find a good location. It should be in full sun and have well-drained soil.
   
2. Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the size of the hebe bush's root ball.
   
3. Add some organic matter to the hole, such as compost or manure.
   
4. Place the hebe bush in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down as you go.
   
5. Water the hebe bush deeply.
   
6. Mulch around the bush to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
   
7. Fertilize the hebe bush in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
8. Prune the bush as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
   
9. Monitor the hebe bush for pests and diseases. Treat as necessary.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful hebe bush!

Related plant:
Hebe Hedge

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Hebe bush prefers well-drained soil, and we can add some organic matter to the planting hole. It's better to grow them in full sun, but they will also tolerate partial shade. They are salt-tolerant, so they're a good choice for coastal gardens.

Light condition

Not too different with other green plants, Hebe bush need sunlight to create their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Hebe bush are able to adapt to different levels of sunlight, but they generally prefer full sun. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may want to provide some afternoon shade for your Hebe bush to prevent leaf scorch.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions are pretty hot in the summer and cold in the winter. The leaves are pretty tough and can handle the extreme conditions. The flowers are very beautiful and come in many colors.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant food is essential to healthy growth of any Hebe bush. Root development is key to the success of your Hebe, as a strong, robust root system ensures water and nutrient uptake, as well as anchorage in the ground. Without proper fertilization, your Hebe may experience poor growth, yellowing leaves, and poor blooming.

About light

Pruning is an important part of hebe bush care. It helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. Pruning also helps to control the spread of the plant. When pruning, be sure to cut back to a healthy bud or stem.

The Propagation

Propagation of Hebe bush is done through rooting softwood cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long. Cut just below a node, or leaf joint. Strip off the bottom leaves, leaving two or three at the top of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and then plant in a pot filled with moistened perlite, vermiculite or sand. The pot should have drainage holes. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Roots should form in four to eight weeks. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted in the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's environment. If the plant is grown in well-drained, moist soil and receives plenty of sunlight, it will likely grow quickly. However, if the plant is grown in poor soil or does not receive enough sunlight, it will likely grow more slowly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn brown and fall off, the stems may become brittle, and the plant may become less vigorous. These problems are often caused by too much sun, too little water, or too much fertilizer.

Basics of Growing

• If you're growing hebes in containers, make sure to provide good drainage.
  
• Hebes like bright, but not direct, sunlight.
  
• When watering hebes, be sure to water at the base of the plant and not from above to avoid leaf spot.
  
• Avoid over-fertilizing hebes, as this can lead to leggy growth.
  
• Hebes are generally low-maintenance plants, but they may need occasional pruning to keep them looking their best.
  
• Hebes are generally tolerant of most soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil.
  
• Hebes are generally drought-tolerant, but they will appreciate occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
  
• In cold winter climates, hebes may need to be protected from too much exposure to the cold, either by covering them with burlap or moving them to a protected location.
  
• Hebes are generally not susceptible to

Substitution

• Hebe cretica
  
• Hebe delicatula
  
• Hebe dichotoma
  
• Hebe ellickii
  
• Hebe fallaciosa
  
• Hebe fasciata
  
• Hebe fletcheri
  
• Hebe funnymanii
  
• Hebe gemmata
  
• Hebe glabella
  

Source:
Hebe 'Karo Golden Esk' | Landscape Plants - Oregon State …
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Hebe—UC IPM
Staff Directory/Contact Info • The Bush School of Government