Pruning Hebes

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by wren1, Jul 10, 2021.

  1. wren1

    wren1 Gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2015
    Messages:
    103
    Location:
    South Yorkshire
    Ratings:
    +53
    Hi everyone, this is my favourite Hebe. I love the colours. It's one of the first things I planted when I moved in 5/6 years ago and knew nothing about gardening. It's now too big and is overhanging the grass. Can I cut it right back? How far can I go? It's quite woody. I don't want to get it wrong and lose it! I've taken some cuttings but I don't know how successful they're going to be.

    I also have a section (pictured) that is not variated anymore. What causes that and is there anything I can do about it?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    47,724
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +84,386
    I think light trimming works much better than hard cut backs with Hebes, so best to do a light trim every year rather than something harder every two or three years.
    I'd do it after the flowers fade.
    They do regenerate from older wood sometimes, but I dont think its guaranteed.

    Maybe make sure the cuttings have rooted before doing it, as I remember they root fairly easy.

    I'd remove the all green part right back to where it joins another stem.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • wren1

      wren1 Gardener

      Joined:
      Jul 18, 2015
      Messages:
      103
      Location:
      South Yorkshire
      Ratings:
      +53
      Good news in that 2 of the 3 cuttings I took have rooted. I've put them into bigger pots. Hope I don't kill them yet!

      Any idea about the variegation loss?
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        47,724
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +84,386
        As I said, remove the parts that have reverted to all green right back to variegated wood.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • wren1

          wren1 Gardener

          Joined:
          Jul 18, 2015
          Messages:
          103
          Location:
          South Yorkshire
          Ratings:
          +53
          Ah, thanks. I'd misunderstood what you meant there. I thought you meant to only cut the green bit of the stem when pruning, not as far as the brown bit. I see what you mean now!
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice