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Hebe

mrs_l_wilsonmrs_l_wilson Posts: 3
in Plants
Hi just been to look at my hebe in the garden these hebe have been in same spot for about 20 years then 2 years ago we lost 4 replanted 4 but they are dying now and so are other hebe in the garden that are quiet a distance from the group in the middle so far 5 more hebe have died in the bed the soil is Flat and we are by the sea any idea what's happened to them thanks 

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @mrs-I-wilson This is a puzzle. I can understand that 20 year old hebes had probably just give up that is a long life even by the sea. I wondered if the new ones are suffering due to lack of water? New plants still need water during the winter if the soil is dry.  Replacing a plant with the same plant can also be a problem as the new plant doesn't always thrive.
    If you have browning to the leaves wind and salt could be the issue we have had some bad storms .This seems the most likely cause as so many plants are affected





    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • mrs_l_wilsonmrs_l_wilson Posts: 3
    Thank you I will mention it to the gardener who comes 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You'd need to post photos of the plants, and enough info about the conditions. I don't know what you mean about the soil being flat, for example.

    What @GardenerSuze has said is all relevant. While drier, sandy soil is often ideal for them, as they need good drainage, it doesn't mean they wouldn't need watered properly, especially on planting and for a good while afterwards.
    If the soil is very sandy, it would be worth adding organic matter to get a better growing medium. A seaside location is every bit as tricky for some plants as the complete opposite conditions. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @mrs-I-wilson If it becomes certain that you have lost them all then maybe it is time for a rethink. Cutting some of the stems will give you an idea,  I think you should still wait a while. You could also replenish the soil and plant more but there is a risk.
    There are other plants that are happy growing by the sea, I would look around locally for planting in the same aspect, that will give you ideas. Climate change will affect what we grow in the future and we will need to adapt. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • mrs_l_wilsonmrs_l_wilson Posts: 3
    Thank you for you help the soil is clay but very gray in colour been trying to figure out if they have a disease but nothing is coming up have been watering during drought last year but nothing has worked hopefully the gardener will get some fertilize and mulch down 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited March 2022
    If it's grey clay, you need organic matter added to it to improve it. Well rotted manure is the answer. You can buy it ready bagged at GCs and various outlets. It works for both kinds of soil - poor and sandy or wet, heavy clay. Helps retain moisture and nutrients for the former, and opens up the latter.
    Hebes won't thrive in solid clay  otherwise - it waterlogs in wet weather, which they hate.
    Don't add fertiliser of any kind if they're failing, That makes things worse usually.  :)

    I've just realised when you said 'flat' you'd meant clay - you'd hit the adjacent letters on the keyboard. Easily done   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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