Hebe regrowth: cutting into old wood

Have a very large hebe (midsummer beauty or similar). It is about 8' diameter and height. Can I reduce it to a much smaller framework cutting into the old wood and expect it to re-shoot? When is the best time? many thanks

 

Hi, alikirk, and welcome to GC. I have just responded to a similar question above. It is not necessary to prune Hebe's, however, they do benefit from the straggly branches being removed and a good overall tidy up with encourage new growth. May is the best time, when danger of frost has passed.

 

Have a look here, Alikirk

http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002609;p=1#000011

 

Yes, alikirk, I wouldn't listen to me ... as dendro rightly says I'm too busy looking at jeans in the market to pay attention to anything else, like earthquakes, etc ...

 

Don't go in the huff, LoL! It works for you - so don't knock it! And enjoy those jeans!! :D


Here's a link that seems to be a reliable source, the Hebe Society, answering very much the same question as yours... about large hebes, of which I don't have a lot of experience...

http://www.hebesoc.vispa.com/Q_&_A/Q_&_A.htm

 

Thank you very much for your posts above. Hebe society link very useful. The Hebe in question is at a garden which I manage and has outgrown its allotted space. I will wait a couple of weeks and then give it some pruning. Thanks again.