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Leggy Growth in Hebe

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

A New Zealand evergreen shrub with glossy, deep-green foliage and distinctive tubular flower spikes in shades of red, pink, purple, or white that appear from summer to autumn

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Hebe care requirements

These care conditions are most relevant to leggy growth in Hebe. Check each one as a potential cause.

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Light
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours); performs best with abundant light but tolerates some afternoon shade in hot climates.
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Fertiliser
Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or cease feeding in autumn and winter.
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Symptoms to look for in Hebe

  • fiber_manual_recordLong, weak, stretched stems
  • fiber_manual_recordLarge gaps between leaves
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Common causes in Hebe

  • fiber_manual_recordInsufficient light
  • fiber_manual_recordLack of pruning
  • fiber_manual_recordSeasonal low light
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How to diagnose leggy growth in Hebe

Plants lean towards light source or grow tall and thin in low light conditions.

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How to treat leggy growth in Hebe

Move to brighter location. Prune to encourage bushy growth. Supplement with grow light.

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Preventing leggy growth in Hebe

Provide adequate light. Regular pinching back of growing tips.

Other Hebe problems