How to Grow Hebe Odora - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Hebe odora is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to central and southern China. It is a small evergreen shrub growing to 11.5 m (35 ft) tall by 1.52 m (56 ft) wide, with elliptical to ovate leaves and clusters of white or pale pink flowers in summer. The specific epithet odora means "scented".

How to Grow Hebe Odora - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Japanese holly
evergreen holly
American holly
winterberry holly
yaupon holly

Basic info

Hebe odora is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae.
It is native to China, Japan, and Korea.
The plant grows to 1-2 m tall.
The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, 6-12 cm long and 2-4 cm broad.
The flowers are white, borne in terminal racemes.
The fruit is a black capsule, splitting open when ripe to release the seeds.
Hebe odora is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The plant contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Hebe odora is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world.

Related plant:
Hebe Veronica

How to Grow

For hebe odora, first step is to find a location that gets full sun or partial sun.
Then, prepare the soil by loosening it with a shovel and adding some organic matter.
Next, create a small mound or hill in the center of the planting area.
Next, plant the hebe odora seeds on the mound, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Once the seeds are planted, cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Water the area well.
Next, keep the soil moistened until the hebe odora seeds germinate.
Once the plants have germinated, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain.
Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer once they have started to grow.
Once the plants are well-established, water them only as needed.

Related plant:
Hebe Autumn Glory

The Soil

About soil condition, Hebe Odora grows best in well-drained soils with full to partial sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. Amend your soil with organic matter prior to planting to improve drainage and help retain moisture.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, Hebe needs sunlight to grow. However, too much sun can damage the leaves, so it's important to find a balance. Hebe does best in partial sun to partial shade, meaning it should have around 4 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of Hebe Odora is 15 degrees Celsius. This condition is optimal for the growth of the plant because it is neither too hot nor too cold. Under these temperature conditions, the plant will grow at a steady rate and will produce a good number of flowers. If the temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius, the growth of the plant will slow down and the number of flowers produced will decrease.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The plant will do best in a room with good ventilation. Hebe odora, also known as Japanese holly, is an evergreen shrub that is native to Japan. The plant is known for its small, dark green leaves and its white flowers. When grown in the proper conditions, Hebe odora can reach a height of up to 6 feet. Hebe odora thrives in humid conditions and does best when the humidity is between 40% and 60%. The plant should be grown in a room with good ventilation to prevent the leaves from turning yellow. Hebe odora is relatively easy to care for and is a low-maintenance plant.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, usually the plant does not need a lot. A small amount of organic fertilizer such as kelp meal or fish emulsion can be applied in early spring. For the root, Hebe Odora is a slow-growing plant, so it is best to plant it in an area where it will not be disturbed.

About light

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your Hebe Odora healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only helps to control the size and shape of the plant, but also encourages new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. It is also important to prune early in the growing season, before the plant begins to produce new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by taking cuttings from young, healthy plants in spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the stems. Cuttings can be rooted in potting mix or sand. Be sure to keep the cuttings moist until they are well rooted.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the age of the plant. Juvenile plants have a higher growth rate than adult plants. The growth rate of hebe odora also varies depending on the season. Plants typically grow more rapidly during the spring and summer months than they do during the fall and winter.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves can get brown and dry, and the stems can get weak. If the plant is not getting enough water, it will start to droop, and the leaves will start to turn brown and dry. If the plant is getting too much water, the leaves will start to turn yellow and the stems will start to rot.

List to Know

Remember to water your hebe regularly, as the plant does not tolerate drought well.
Provide hebe with a well-drained soil, as the plant does not like to sit in wet conditions.
Place hebe in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
Fertilize hebe monthly during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Prune hebe regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Protect hebe from strong winds, as the plant can be easily damaged by high winds.
Bring hebe indoors during the winter months if you live in an area with cold winters.
If you are growing hebe in a container, make sure to repot the plant every year or two.
Watch for pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew. Treat problems promptly as hebe