Hebe shrubs bring year-round color — here's how to care for them the right way

With lush green leaves and bright flowers in shades of purple, white or pink, Hebe shrubs are a favorite for adding structure and color to any garden. But while they’re low-maintenance, they do have specific care needs.

Perfect for borders, pots or rock gardens, Hebes prefer cool climates and well-drained soil — and dislike waterlogged roots.

As reported by Pravda, the most common mistake is overwatering or planting in compacted soil — which often leads to rot.

Basic growing conditions

• Light: full sun or light shade.
• Soil: loose, fertile and well-drained. Avoid clay-heavy or soggy soil.
• Watering: moderate — keep roots moist but don’t wet the leaves directly.

Pruning and maintenance

• Trim back after flowering to encourage bushy growth.
• Remove dead flowers and weak stems regularly.
• Apply light fertilizer in early spring for best results.

Propagation and protection

• Take softwood cuttings in late summer for easy propagation.
• Protect from hard frost by covering or moving pots indoors.
• Mulch base in winter with dry leaves or garden fabric.

By the way, Hebes reward small efforts with big beauty — and prove that low-maintenance doesn’t mean boring.