Hebe (Veronica × franciscana): when and how to prune

Hebe (Veronica × franciscana): when to prune it?

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In April, when the risk of frost is over and new shoots start to grow.

What else to prune in those months? April

Hebe (Veronica × franciscana): how to prune it?

1. Trim the dome lightly, about a third of the young shoots, just above a few leaves.
2. Cut dead and frost-damaged branches back to healthy wood, which is often only clearly visible in May.
3. Remove spent flower spikes in autumn or spring.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: April.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in April can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Hebe (Veronica × franciscana) flowers in July–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Hebe (Veronica albicans)
• Hebe (Veronica odora)
• Hebe (Veronica pinguifolia)
• Hebe (Veronica rakaiensis)
• Koromiko (Veronica salicifolia)
• Whipcord hebe (Veronica ochracea)

Plant profile: Hebe (Veronica × franciscana) · Pruning calendar and basic rules