Hebe Going downhill

[Marb67]

Another recently purchased plant already going downhill. I got this little Hebe last Autum and the leaves are going scabby and dropping off. I have trimmed back all the dead but it continues to decline.

[Andraste]

I can see a good bit of new growth Marb so I don't think all is lost. This is another one that prefers a fair bit of sun & good drainage.

I had one in a pot for several years - albeit a much bigger pot than you're - which seemed to do well despite me pretty much ignoring it except for summer watering.

[Marb67]

I can see a good bit of new growth Marb so I don't think all is lost. This is another one that prefers a fair bit of sun & good drainage.

I had one in a pot for several years - albeit a much bigger pot than you're - which seemed to do well despite me pretty much ignoring it except for summer watering.

It's in the same pot I purchased it but don't want to trim back too much incase it can't photosynthisise. I'll try and get it in a sunny spot thanks. It cost me 20p so not a huge loss but more of a niggle of losing another plant.

[Andraste]

They don't really like much pruning (just dead/dying unless super leggy) so that's a good call. A bigger pot would be good too if you have one handy.

A total bargain for 20p if you can keep it going

[Peanut]

Not all hebe's are hardy Marb, might be something to consider. I love them for bees and had some lovely big shrubs when I moved here 20yrs ago, but have lost all of them over the years, mostly to storm damage and hard winters.
Fingers crossed yours pick up and for 20p, well that's just the best bargain ever!

[Marb67]

Not all hebe's are hardy Marb, might be something to consider. I love them for bees and had some lovely big shrubs when I moved here 20yrs ago, but have lost all of them over the years, mostly to storm damage and hard winters.
Fingers crossed yours pick up and for 20p, well that's just the best bargain ever!

I tend to kill new plants and bring on sale, reduced items that are not too good. Sadly not so much in this case.

[Marb67]

Well, as expected it has gone even more brown stemmed and dying off for absolutely no reason after following potting instructions etc.

[Peanut]

Has it got nipped by frost Marb? Don't give up on it yet, it might still surprise you once the weather warms up.

[Marb67]

Well, the weather has warmed up and it's completely dead. I am absolutely dumbfounded as this should not have happened because I did everything that was required , advice etc. Looking at the brown leaves and stems, it looks very likely it had Verticillium Wilt, which probably accounts for the reduced price. However, I did cut all the brown stems off!!

[Peanut]

You did your best Marb. Sometimes plants that we rescue are just too far gone to be saved.

[Marb67]

You did your best Marb. Sometimes plants that we rescue are just too far gone to be saved.

They shouldn't really sell them on in that case, even though it was only 20p. I hate it when things fail for no reason.

[Peanut]

I agreee Marb. And it's even harder when you're a compassionate, nature loving gardener (like we are.) It can be really tough, it's an emotional rollercoaster every day!

[Andraste]

idk - I'm more inclined to say it was 20p because it was dying & that's the reason it failed.

I wouldn't be deterred from trying to resurrect a bargain in future though - it's disappointing when they don't revive but a wonderful feeling if you get lucky.