Native to New Zealand, Hebe or shrub veronica has blossomed into a popular ornamental shrub. You can keep Hebe in a bucket in the garden, on the balcony or indoors all year round. Tips for proper care of Hebe.

Hebe is a thirsty ornamental plant

How do you water Hebe correctly?

Hebe needs more water in summer than in winter. Water sufficiently, but avoid waterlogging. Wait until the top layer of soil is several centimeters deep dry.

How often does it need to be fertilized?

Hebe is an exception as it is fertilized at a time when other plants are not being fertilized.

Shrub veronica is fertilized at fortnightly intervals from autumn to spring. A normal liquid fertilizer is sufficient. Avoid wetting the leaves.

When is Hebe Repotting Necessary?

You only have to repot Hebe when the pot has become too small. Choose a vessel that is only slightly larger. Shake off the old soil before planting.

How is shrub veronica properly pruned?

Cutting is not absolutely necessary, but prevents the plant from bare. Pruning is done in spring or fall.

What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?

  • scale insects
  • spider mites
  • fungal diseases
  • stem rot

Scale insects and spider mites appear mainly when the humidity in the room is very low. Treat an infestation immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.

Fungal diseases and trunk rot are mostly due to care errors. The substrate is often too moist or waterlogging has occurred.

How is Hebe properly overwintered?

Even if it is often sold as hardy, Hebe only tolerates temperatures down to a maximum of minus five degrees for a short time. Varieties with large leaves are not hardy at all and should be grown in the bucket right away.

Ideally, Hebe is overwintered in a frost-free but as bright a place as possible. The temperatures should be between five and ten degrees.

Shrub veronicas, which are only cultivated indoors, must also be kept cooler in winter.

tips

In principle, all types of lifting require a lot of light at their location. They don't like direct sun that much. Only variegated varieties need several hours of sunshine per day to keep the foliage colors.

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