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What to do with hebe cutting

Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
in Plants
Hello
I was given two hebe rhubarb and custard cuttings in the summer and although I nipped out the tops they aren't doing very much. They are producing new growth low down the stem but not really bushing into a bush shape. I think it's one of the slower-growing hebes but I'm just wondering if I should do something else with them.
The tip I took off one is growing ok after I just stuck it in a pot, but I'm concerned that the original cuttings are leggy and not bushy. If I cut the bigger one back by half will that just harm it?
Any thoughts welcome as ever, thanks 

No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

Posts

  • Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
    @philippasmith2 what would be best to use? They are in the pots they came in, though that's not to say the donor was an expert! 
    No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    They are trying to bush out but it's too late in the year to expect much from them now.
    If they were mine I would leave cutting back until the spring, but clear the moss and weeds from the tops of the pots, add a bit of compost if that leaves the hebe roots exposed, and top dress with a bit of grit or fine gravel  to deter regrowth of moss etc. Then keep them somewhere sheltered and out of the worst of the rain over winter (in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse if you have one, to keep them reasonably dry and protected from frosts). They're not very hardy and I notice you're up in Scotland.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
    Thanks, will do that and put them in the greenhouse.  I was going to leave them out but on a sheltered verandah on the front of the shed, but it makes sense to be cautious. 
    I've got other hebes but they are more vigorous growers and some self-seeded ones I lifted into pots survived last winter and are now in the ground. This one is much slower but I guess I can now give them a helping hand :) 
    No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

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