FAQ Hebe
Q: The flowers of my Hebe are very small. I have seen other Hebe plants that have big flowers. Am I doing something wrong?
A: No, not at all! There are three types of Hebe Addenda®: small leaved, with medium sized leaves and large leaved. The leaves and the size of the flowers go together. The more flowers a Hebe has, the more leaves it has, but the smaller they are.
Q: I think that I am watering my pot plants too much. How can I find the best water balance for my plants?
A: It is always a good idea to read the care instructions that you find on the plant label that comes with your plant. We have tried to make the advice on the labels as good as possible to give you maximum enjoyment of your pot plants. As regards watering, it is very important that you always check first how dry or how damp the compost is. Then it is in fact very easy: if the compost is still damp from the last watering, you do not need to water the plant. If the compost is dry, give it a drop of water.
Q: I find that my Hebe Addenda® dries out quickly, what can I do?
A: A Hebe should be watered according to the temperature. The warmer it is, the more water it needs. You can safely water 2 to 3 times per week when it is warm.
In very warm weather water for the first time in the morning, then they are "prepared" when the sun appears. Then water in the evening, so that the plants can draw up water all night.
It is generally a good habit to plant Hebe Addenda® in large containers/pots. This ensures there is an ample water reserve.
Q: I often plant my Hebes out in the garden in the autumn. Why do they not stay healthy all winter?
A: Because Hebe is not a winter hardy plant. Hebe Addenda® withstands light frost down to about minus 1-2°. Normally it is not a problem to leave Hebe outside until late in the year. The flowers will gradually dry out and the plants then no longer look as attractive. For this reason we recommend that you throw them away and buy new ones next year!
As an alternative you can try to cut back the Hebe to around 15 to 20 cm above the pot, put it in a cool but well lit place (5-8°) and bring it out again in April/May. It is then possible that it will shoot up again and flower.
Q: What is the best fertiliser for a Hebe Addenda®?
A: Look in the garden centre for fertiliser for balcony and container plants. This stimulates flower performance. Follow the dosage instructions on the packet. During the growing season it is usually 1x per week for liquid fertiliser and 1x every 2 to 3 weeks for solid fertiliser.
Q: We have moved house and there is a whopper of a Hebe Addenda® in the garden. How can we give it a smaller head?
A: In principle Hebes are annuals but if they are in a good spot and the winters are mild, they can survive. Do not prune back too hard and not into woody tissue, that will prevent it shooting. It is best to prune in April when the chance of frost has passed.
Q: How tall should a Hebe Addenda® be?
A: That partly depends on the type and the pot size. On average it grows to 15 to 20 cm in volume. Some types grow in breadth, others more in height. Our Hebes flower and grow until the first frost in November.
Q: Should Hebe Addenda® be planted in garden peat?
A: Normal potting compost mixture is enough. This already has fertiliser added so you only have to feed with additional fertiliser 1x per week.
Q: My Hebe Addenda® 'Lisa' only flowered for a very short time. Why was that?
A: If the plant dries out during the flowering period, this has adverse effects on flowering. Hebe likes regular watering and a light position, preferably in the sun.
