Heartbreaker Hebe Hebe 'Heartbreaker' (PBR) (v)

Water

The Veronica plant prefers consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Water it deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, roughly every 7 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, in spring and summer, this might mean providing about 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants or a few ounces for potted specimens each time you water. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and adjust watering based on rainfall, lessening the amount if there has been significant precipitation.

Light

Veronica plants thrive in full sun to partial shade. For best growth, position the plant in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If situated in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. The brighter the light, especially in the morning, the more vivid the foliage colors tend to be.

Temperature

Veronica plants are hardy and do well in a range of temperatures, but they perform best when the temperature is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 30 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch or moving potted plants indoors.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for Veronica plants to maintain their shape and encourage denser growth. Trim the plant back by about one-third in early spring before new growth starts. Additionally, deadhead spent blooms throughout the flowering season to encourage more flowers. Pruning is also an opportunity to remove any damaged or diseased foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Veronicas, such as Hebe 'Heartbreaker', prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil mix that incorporates a combination of peat, perlite, and compost would provide a suitable growing medium for Hebe 'Heartbreaker' to thrive.

Repotting

The Hebe or Veronica 'Heartbreaker' generally needs repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Check the roots in spring before new growth starts; if they are circling the pot's bottom, it's time to repot to a larger container.

Humidity & Misting

The Veronica 'Heartbreaker' prefers moderate humidity levels and will typically do well in the average outdoor environment. Protecting it from excessively dry air, particularly in windy or arid regions, may enhance plant health and vigor.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, good drainage, cool temperatures, and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Hebe 'Heartbreaker', commonly known as Hebe, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in well-drained soil during the spring season under the right conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling emerges, developing its initial root system and foliage, transitioning into a juvenile plant. As it matures, the Hebe 'Heartbreaker' grows into a compact shrub, with dense, evergreen leaves that are variegated with cream edges and pink flushes in winter, and produces small purple or violet flowers during the summer months, attracting pollinators. Following the flowering stage, the plant sets seeds that, if conditions allow, can disperse to propagate new plants. Over several years, the Hebe 'Heartbreaker' reaches its full size and may require pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Eventually, as it nears the end of its life cycle, growth slows, and the plant may become more susceptible to disease or environmental stresses, culminating in senescence and death.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Hebe 'Heartbreaker' is semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. To propagate this way, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and make a cut to produce a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) long cutting. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root growth. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. This process can take several weeks, during which the cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out. Once rooted, the new Hebe 'Heartbreaker' plants can be transplanted to their final location.