Is my hebe dying if it loses a few leaves?

Not necessarily, as plants often shed older leaves to make room for new growth. Watch for signs of disease or pests.

Can I prune the bare stems?

Yes, you can trim back bare stems to encourage bushier growth once the plant is healthy again.

Why is my New Zealand hebe losing leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the underside of the leaves for fuzzy growth.
Check if the plant is getting enough direct sunlight.
Examine the soil to ensure it is not waterlogged.

Likely causes

Low light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant becomes leggy and leaves start falling off from the bottom up. The remaining leaves may look pale.
What to do: Move your hebe to a brighter location with full sun or partial shade. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of bright light daily.
Downy mildew
Possible
How to tell: You will see yellow patches on the leaves with fuzzy growth underneath. This often leads to premature leaf drop in humid conditions.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it away from others. Remove infected leaves and avoid getting water on the foliage.

Leaf drop in 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

Worry if the leaf drop is rapid and affects the whole plant. It is normal for a few old leaves at the base to yellow and fall off occasionally.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent light and keep the foliage dry to prevent fungal issues.

New Zealand hebe: leaf drop? 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

Is my hebe dying if it loses a few leaves?: Not necessarily, as plants often shed older leaves to make room for new growth. Watch for signs of disease or pests.
Can I prune the bare stems?: Yes, you can trim back bare stems to encourage bushier growth once the plant is healthy again.

Guides to these causes

Downy Mildew

Why is my New Zealand hebe losing leaves?

Check these first

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