Hebe Blue Gem

Hebe Blue Gem - a fine hybrid, easy to grow and maintain.  Blue flowers produced much of the summer.  Excellent on the coast.  Height 1.5m x Width 1.5m

Trimming: Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape and remove any dead, damaged, or leggy growth. Avoid cutting back into old bare wood, as hebes may not reshoot well.

Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.

Fertilising: Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage soft growth that is more vulnerable to pests, disease, and frost damage.

Watering: Water regularly during establishment, especially through dry or windy periods. Once established, water during extended dry spells, particularly in hot weather or free-draining soils.

Pest Control: Watch for aphids, scale, mites, and thrips, which may cause distorted growth, sticky residue, or marked foliage. Treat early with horticultural oil or an appropriate insecticide.

Disease Management: Monitor for downy mildew, leaf spot, and root rot, which may show as yellowing leaves, dark leaf markings, greyish growth on leaf undersides, wilting, or dieback. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, ensure good drainage, remove affected foliage, and apply a suitable fungicide if required.