Hebe problems

peteski2011

Hi all
We’ve recently potted up some Hebe but over the course of the last week have noticed the leaves starting to go a yellowish brown and wrinkle. Even the new growth doesn’t look too happy. What have we done wrong? We potted in compost and soil conditioner topsoil mix and gave them a bit of fish/blood fertiliser. Have we over done it? Not watered enough? Soil doesn’t feel dry. I know hebe prefer poor soil but we thought being in pots they would need some nutrient. Any help would be greatly appreciated. We’re doing something wrong as they didn’t start like this. How wet do they like the soil to be have we under watered perhaps? Variety is Hebe Blondie. 

Thanks!

Borderline

It doesn't look too bad at all. You are right, they do prefer free draining soil and they don't prefer nutrient rich soil either. but planted into a container, a bit of feeding in the growing season will be needed.

I suspect it's just trying to adjust to your new surroundings. Any yellow leaves you can snip out. If it's a new plant brought in, the plant may have been grown in warm and controlled conditions, so you may just need to slowly get it acclimatised to your garden. Keep it close to a sunny warm wall and if it gets very hot which is what is forecast for tomorrow, bring it into the shade in the middle part of the day. Keep doing this for a few weeks.

If it's a plant dug up and put into your pot, again, it's trying to adjust and possibly need a good watering in. 

Watering is also essential, even though they can do fine when mature in a pot, it's best to water thoroughly every 2 days in hot weather and less when the temperature dips below 20 degrees.

peteski2011

Thanks very much for your reply. They were in a garden centre until the other week so probably had a good life until it met us!! Will do what you say and bring it out of the hot sun in the middle of the day. Will also ensure to water as you suggest and will see what happens. 

All the best.

Fairygirl

Even plants which like a sunny aspect need some protection while they get established.
It'll be fine. As @Borderline says, it doesn't look too bad, and it'll replace any shrivelled leaves over the next month or two.