Shrubby Veronica Hebe recurva 'Boughton Silver'

Water

Hebe 'Boughton Silver' should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, approximately once every week during active growing seasons, spring and summer. In the cooler fall and winter months, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment. When watering, apply water slowly at the base of the plant until it begins to drain out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the root ball is moistened. Avoid overwatering, as this plant is sensitive to water-logged conditions. It is better to under-water than to over-water, as Hebes prefer drier conditions.

Light

Hebe 'Boughton Silver' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. To promote healthy growth and flowering, place the plant in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Filtered afternoon shade can help protect the plant during the hottest parts of the day, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Temperature

Hebe 'Boughton Silver' does well in a range of temperatures and can tolerate a minimum of about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for optimal growth, the preferred temperature range is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extreme temperatures, especially from frost, as it can damage or kill the plant.

Pruning

Prune the Hebe 'Boughton Silver' to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged foliage. It is best to prune the plant after it has finished flowering, usually in late summer or early fall. Light pruning annually is sufficient for maintaining a compact and healthy plant. Pruning also encourages new growth and can rejuvenate an older plant, but always ensure not to cut back more than one-third of the plant in a single pruning session.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Hebe 'Boughton Silver' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of about 6.5 to 7.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand can provide the necessary drainage and aeration. Incorporating organic matter like compost can also benefit the plant's growth. Ensure the soil is fertile and does not remain waterlogged to avoid root rot.

Repotting

Hebe 'Boughton Silver' should be repotted every two to three years, or when it has outgrown its current container. The best time for repotting is in the spring or early summer, which allows the plant to establish itself in the new pot during its active growing period.

Humidity & Misting

Hebe 'Boughton Silver' thrives in moderate humidity levels, typically ranging from 40-50%. Avoid placing the plant in overly dry conditions, but also ensure it is not exposed to constant high humidity which can lead to fungal problems.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide Hebe 'Boughton Silver' with bright indirect light and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant Hebe 'Boughton Silver' in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Hebe recurva 'Boughton Silver', commonly referred to as Shrubby Veronica, begins with germination, which occurs when its seeds are sown in well-drained soil with adequate warmth and moisture. Following germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first set of true leaves, and as the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, characterized by robust growth of foliage. It gradually forms a compact, rounded shrub with silvery-green leaves. Once mature, Shrubby Veronica enters the flowering stage, usually in the summer months, displaying an array of white to pale lilac flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules that contain seeds, enabling the cycle of reproduction to continue. Finally, once the plant has reached the end of its lifespan, which can vary but generally spans several years, it enters the senescence stage where growth slows down until the plant eventually dies.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Hebe recurva 'Boughton Silver', commonly known as Hebe 'Boughton Silver', is most successfully propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is commonly undertaken during late summer or early fall when the plant's growth begins to slow and the stems become firmer yet still flexible. Cuttings, about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters), should be taken with a clean, sharp pair of pruners from healthy, disease-free parent plants. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. These prepared cuttings are then inserted into pots filled with a well-draining potting mix or a combination of peat and perlite. The pots need to be kept in conditions with high humidity, such as under a plastic cover, and in indirect light until roots have formed, which can take several weeks. Regular monitoring for moisture levels is important, as the cuttings should not dry out nor be too wet, as this can lead to rot. Once the cuttings have rooted well, they can be gradually acclimated to ambient conditions and eventually planted out.