19 saves
Hebe
We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Hebe varieties
Species of Hebe
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hebe in Sow
Save the Hebe you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hebe
Whats common across all Hebe varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Hebe year
- PruneOctober100% of varieties
Shear off spent flower spikes immediately after the primary bloom cycle to maintain shape.
- FertilizeApril100% of varieties
Apply a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of spring.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Inspect the inner foliage and stems for scale insects and spider mites during hot weather.
- Winter PrepDecember67% of varieties
Protect plants from severe, drying winter winds in colder zones.
Do
- Plant in highly porous, well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain a tight, compact habit.
- Deadhead spent flower spikes immediately after blooming to encourage fresh foliage.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas where water pools.
- Do not prune hard into old, woody stems that lack active green leaves.
- Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients cause weak, floppy growth susceptible to disease.
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Hebe
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted new shoot tips covered in sticky honeydew. | Apply a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap to affected areas. |
| Spider Mites | Fine yellow stippling on leaves and faint webbing under hot, dry conditions. | Increase humidity around the plant and apply horticultural oil. |
| Scale Insects | Small raised bumps on stems and leaves accompanied by branch dieback. | Prune out heavily infested stems and apply dormant horticultural oil. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency. |
| Root Rot | Sudden wilting, browning of stems, and black, mushy roots. | Remove infected plants and improve soil drainage before replanting. |
| Downy Mildew | Grayish-white patches or purple-red blotches on leaves leading to defoliation. | Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if persistent. |
Making more Hebe
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
- Wait approximately 6 weeks for roots to develop.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take three-inch terminal cuttings from semi-hardwood growth in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert the cuttings into a moist, free-draining propagation mix.
- Keep in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots establish.
Hebe questions
How many types of Hebe are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Hebe varieties. The most popular — ranked by 19 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hebe grow in?
Across its varieties, Hebe covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hebe bloom?
Most Hebe varieties bloom in late summer, summer to fall, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hebe should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.