Should I trim the brown tips off?

You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health. Use clean scissors and cut just outside the green tissue.

Does my Hebe need to flower?

Hebes do flower in the summer, but they need plenty of bright light to do so. If your plant is not blooming, move it to a spot with more sun.

Why are my Hebe leaf tips turning brown? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil has been bone dry for a long time.
Recall if you recently applied a strong fertilizer.
Look for white crusty deposits on the soil surface.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Possible
How to tell: The leaf tips become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf looks dull. This happens when the plant goes through extreme cycles of being bone dry and then flooded.
What to do: Establish a consistent routine where you water as soon as the top inch of soil is dry. Use a moisture meter or your finger to stay on track.
Fertilizer Burn
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown and brittle shortly after you apply fertilizer. This is caused by an accumulation of mineral salts in the soil.
What to do: Flush the soil by running plain water through the pot for several minutes to wash out excess salts. Skip fertilizing for at least two months to let the plant recover.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your new zealand hebe

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Brown tips are usually a cosmetic issue and not a sign of immediate death. You only need to worry if the browning continues to move inward toward the center of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Water deeply and consistently, and use a balanced fertilizer at half strength to avoid salt buildup.

New Zealand hebe: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your new zealand hebe and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips off?: You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health. Use clean scissors and cut just outside the green tissue.
Does my Hebe need to flower?: Hebes do flower in the summer, but they need plenty of bright light to do so. If your plant is not blooming, move it to a spot with more sun.

Guides to these causes

Salt Stress

Why are my Hebe leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your new zealand hebe?