How to Get Hebe to Bloom

Hebes (Hebe spp. and hybrids) are uncommon shrubs throughout most of the United States, since they require cool summers and mild winters, a climate found here only in the Pacific Northwest and northern California. Native to New Zealand, hebes are sometimes called shrubby veronicas because the flower spikes are very similar to herbaceous speedwells (Veronica). When happy with their location, these small shrubs bloom all summer. You can encourage profuse blooming by following a few cultural guidelines.

Pruners
Azalea fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Position your hebe in full sun or partial shade in a spot protected from strong winds. Although hebes tolerate shade, they stay more compact and flower better in full sun. In hot locations, however, give them afternoon shade to help keep them cool.
- 2
  Prune hebes for shape in frost-free areas immediately after flowering is finished for the season. In areas susceptible to winter frost, however, wait until early spring to prune. Pruning after mid-spring diminishes the season's flowering.
- 3
  Feed hebes every year or two with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving flowering shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Apply the fertilizer in late winter, following the package directions carefully for the proper amount to apply. Overfeeding them results in excessive vegetative growth instead of flower formation.
- 4
  Deadhead spent flowers to extend the blooming period until fall. Be careful to pinch off only the faded flower, as the new flower buds are formed directly underneath the old flowers. Hebes flower only on the stem ends.
- 5
  Rejuvenate old shrubs by cutting stems back to one-third their length. Spread the pruning over the entire season, cutting back a few stems at a time, so your shrub still provides color in the garden.

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