Is my hebe in trouble?

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by hoofy, Feb 11, 2023.

  1. hoofy

    hoofy Gardener

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    I can't ever remember it looking like this. Always has been one of the gardens strongest looking plants.


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  2. infradig

    infradig Total Gardener

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    Yes, I've got 5 that look no better. Have to wait and see....
     
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    • pete

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

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      Frost damage, need to leave well alone and prune back to new shoots should they appear in spring.
       
    • suepp

      suepp Gardener

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      That may not come back anyway, regardless of pruning later. Pruning back hard can kill them off completely. Wet cold is especially hard for them to tolerate, so they often don't come back if you have that kind of climate. Many varieties are less tough than others too. The variegated ones and many of the purple ones are iffy.
       
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      • Janet mahay

        Janet mahay Gardener

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        Hi wait a few weeks yet before pruning it as there'll could be more cold weather and frosts to come and that will damage those new shoots. Leave the manky brown bits on as they will offer some protection to the green hoots

        When you do prune it, use clean, sharp secateurs and take all the stems back to a good shape. You can use the healthy shoots your remove to take cuttings. Give the plant a good feed and it should be fine
         
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        • shiney

          shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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          We now have 26 Hebes (we didn't realise we had so many dotted around the garden) that are similar or worse and are waiting to see how they go. Other Hebes don't seem to have been touched at all :scratch:. I don't hold out much hope for some of them but we'll wait :fingers crossed:.
           
        • HarryS

          HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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          Winter takes it's toll. First the cordies, now my hebe is looking worse for wear. I'll follow advice above and cut back and feed when new growth appears. If new growth appears!
           
        • Upsydaisy

          Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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          We have a lot of very sickly looking ones too, I will be very surprised if some of them survive but for now we're leaving them be.:sad:
           
        • HarryS

          HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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          The garden centre bosses will be rubbing their hands! Getting huge stocks of hebes and cordylines in. And of course increasing the prices accordingly.
           
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          • hoofy

            hoofy Gardener

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            Yes, my six foot cordy looks like it's been hit, all the top leaves have folded downwards. Is that likely to recover or not?
             
          • suepp

            suepp Gardener

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            Sorry but I disagree about feeding. Feeding struggling plants isn't a good idea. If your hebes survive and start growing, you could give a small amount of food, but not directly after cutting them back
             
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            • Upsydaisy

              Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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              Agree, it's said to add more stress to a sickly plant/ shrub. :blue thumb:
               
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              • hoofy

                hoofy Gardener

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                Did anyone's hebe pull through? Mine looks even worse now with no buds just dark brown leaves.
                 
              • shiney

                shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                I said 26 were in a bad way but having wandered round the garden that number has increased to 37 :cry3:
                 
              • HarryS

                HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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                I trimmed mine back, and the wood seemed very dry, 99% certain it's a goner.
                 
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