HEBE BLONDIE

Care Guide for Hebe 'Blondie'

Hebe 'Blondie' is a compact and versatile evergreen shrub prized for its striking foliage and abundant summer blooms. With its dense, low-growing habit and vibrant yellow-green leaves, 'Blondie' adds year-round interest to garden borders, rockeries, and containers. Here's a comprehensive care guide to help you cultivate and maintain Hebe 'Blondie':

Planting Location:

• Sunlight: Plant Hebe 'Blondie' in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright sunlight but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.
• Soil Type: Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Hebe prefers fertile, loamy soil but can adapt to various soil types, including sandy or clay soil.
• Moisture Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season, especially during hot, dry periods.

Watering:

• Regular Watering: Water Hebe 'Blondie' regularly, especially during the active growth period in spring and summer. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or bark chips, around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

Fertilization:

• Moderate Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
• Avoid Excessive Nitrogen: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote lush foliage at the expense of flower production. Apply fertilizer sparingly to prevent nutrient imbalance.

Pruning:

• Regular Pruning: Prune Hebe 'Blondie' lightly after flowering to maintain its compact shape and encourage bushy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches to improve airflow and overall plant health.
• Renewal Pruning: Every few years, consider performing a more extensive renewal pruning to rejuvenate older plants. Cut back one-third of the oldest stems to ground level to stimulate fresh growth from the base.

Propagation:

• Propagation from Cuttings: Hebe 'Blondie' can be propagated from semi-ripe stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop.
• Division: Divide mature Hebe 'Blondie' plants every few years to propagate new specimens. Dig up the plant in early spring, carefully divide the root ball into smaller sections, and replant them in prepared soil.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Pest Resistance: Hebe 'Blondie' is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, watch for aphids, spider mites, or scale insects, which may occasionally feed on the foliage. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can increase the risk of fungal infections.

Winter Care:

• Cold Hardiness: Hebe 'Blondie' is hardy in USDA zones 7-9. In colder regions, protect the plant from frost by covering it with a layer of frost cloth or moving container-grown specimens indoors.
• Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of outdoor plants to insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.

Landscape Uses:

• Border Plant: Plant Hebe 'Blondie' along garden borders or pathways for a pop of color and texture. Its compact size and vibrant foliage make it an excellent choice for edging or mass planting.
• Rock Gardens: Incorporate Hebe 'Blondie' into rock gardens or alpine plantings, where its low-growing habit and colorful leaves create visual interest among rocks and gravel.
• Container Gardening: Showcase Hebe 'Blondie' in containers on patios, balconies, or terraces. Its compact growth habit and year-round interest make it an ideal candidate for container gardening.

Conclusion:

Hebe 'Blondie' is a versatile and resilient shrub that provides year-round beauty and interest in the garden. By following the care guide outlined above, gardeners can successfully cultivate and enjoy the vibrant foliage and abundant blooms of Hebe 'Blondie' in their outdoor spaces. Visit our garden center to acquire Hebe 'Blondie' plants and enhance your garden with this stunning evergreen shrub

• Size
  2 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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