Hebes: Reliable Colour and Structure All Year Round
Hebes are one of the most versatile and rewarding shrubs for UK gardens, valued for their evergreen foliage, neat habit and long season of interest. While many varieties flower from late spring through summer, it’s their structure, leaf colour and resilience that make hebes especially valuable in February, when gardens need shape and substance.
At Radway Bridge Garden Centre, we stock a wide range of strong, established hebe plants, selected for reliability in Herefordshire conditions. With leaf colours ranging from fresh green to silvery blue, burgundy and variegated forms, hebes offer year-round impact even before flowers appear. Compact varieties suit containers beautifully, while larger forms create excellent low hedging or border structure.
Why Gardeners Love Hebes
Hebes are much-loved because they work hard without demanding much in return. They are naturally tidy shrubs, holding their shape well and rarely needing heavy pruning. This makes them ideal for gardeners who want a polished look without constant maintenance.
Another reason for their popularity is versatility. Hebes are equally at home in borders, gravel gardens, coastal settings and pots, adapting easily to different styles. Their foliage provides consistent interest through winter, while their flowers — often rich in nectar — are a magnet for pollinators later in the season.
Gardeners also appreciate how quickly hebes settle in. Planted now, they establish well before spring growth begins, giving you a fuller, healthier plant through the coming year.
Hebe Care: Simple Tips for Success
Hebes are straightforward to grow if given the right conditions:
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Position: Full sun to light shade for best colour and compact growth
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Soil: Free-draining soil is essential — avoid heavy, waterlogged ground
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Watering: Water well when establishing; drought tolerant once settled
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Pruning: Light trim after flowering to maintain shape
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Feeding: A general slow-release feed in spring is sufficient
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Containers: Excellent pot plants — ensure good drainage
Shelter from cold, drying winds improves winter performance, particularly for smaller-leaved varieties.
With their dependable structure, evergreen presence and long-lasting appeal, hebes are a cornerstone plant for modern gardens. Whether you’re refreshing containers, adding winter interest or building low-maintenance borders, hebes offer instant neatness and lasting value — making February the ideal time to plant and enjoy them.
