We had 33 hebe buxifolia planted in late September. (We wanted them in the ground in the spring however, our landscaper was delayed by a busy season) I am worried about the short period of time they had to stabilize before winter. Our winter was rather harsh (Vancouver, BC. Zone 8). 29 of the hebes are now brown. Initially I thought they were dead. However, I just noted that there is green growth emerging from the earth at the bottom of the dead looking branches. Is there hope? Will a newly formed plant emerge? If so, will they look normal this year? Or ever? Many thanks for your input and expertise.
However, future damage may also be expected. I would never use hebes as an architectural feature like a hedge in this area as they are just too prone to cold injury, root rot etc. to be relied upon as an permanent fixture that retains its structural integrity. Note also that the Hebe buxifolia of gardens is actually H. odora.
