Marianne's Response

Hebe repotting help

Hello! My silver hebe (was my mom’s) is looking rather bedraggled these days. Its roots have grown beyond the pot and it tries to root outside the pot. I’m sure it needs repotting but I’ve never done it. It’s in a pretty good sized pot…about 18-20ish ” high. Sorry, I didn’t measure before hopping on here. Help?

Posted by MemeSharon on March 6, 2024

Marianne's Response

It sounds like it is time to repot your hebe. First find a container at least a few inches wider than the one you have and deeper. Then water the hebe well the night before the move. Next you will need to cut away any roots emerging from the pot and use a long knife to loosen the root ball where it clings to the sides of the pot. Turn the pot upside down and bang the edge on a table so that it can slide from the container. You will need to score or slice up the sides of the root ball before replanting it into the new container. Water well as the roots become established. You can also plant this shrub into the ground so you won't need to repot it ever again. If this still sounds complex to you consider watching a YouTube video on repotting. You will be able to see how to add new potting soil around the rootball and how to slice up the roots a bit.  Keep growing, Marianne Binetti