Can I cut back woody stems?

Be careful, as hebes do not always sprout new growth from old, woody stems. Trim back to just above a set of healthy leaves.

How often should I prune?

Once a year is plenty. The best time is right after the main flowering season ends.

New Zealand hebe: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess how many hours of light the plant gets daily.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a window.
Look at the base of the plant to see if it is woody.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a brighter location with more direct sun or bright indirect light. Rotate the pot every few weeks to encourage even growth.
Lack of Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse because it has never been trimmed back. It looks woody at the base.
What to do: Prune back the long stems by one third after the plant finishes flowering. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier.

Leggy growth 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

Legginess is a slow process and is not an emergency. It is normal for the plant to lose some lower leaves as it matures into a woody shrub.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your hebe lightly every year after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Ensure it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily.

New Zealand hebe: leggy growth? 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

Can I cut back woody stems?: Be careful, as hebes do not always sprout new growth from old, woody stems. Trim back to just above a set of healthy leaves.
How often should I prune?: Once a year is plenty. The best time is right after the main flowering season ends.

Why is my New Zealand hebe growing so leggy?