Poorly Hebe!

[BooseysMom]

I have a Hebe Caledonian which had beautiful blue flowers last year. It's in a pot. This year it's like it's trying to flower but can't. It has something sticky all over the buds but no signs of pests. Does anyone know what's up with it? I've attached a pic but it might not show it very well.
Thanks.

It’s probably aphids, they give of a sticky substance, which is ‘farmed’ by ants.
Give the plant a wash in a mild solution of washing up liquid and water.
You can get bug sprays for this, if you want to use chemicals.

Thank you @Beebumble2
I thought aphids too but there's literally nothing moving on it. My climbing rose had aphids and you could see them. I'll try the washing up liquid solution anyway.
I might turf it out of the pot and stick it in the ground in case it's something in the pot causing it .

You could look for scale insect - little scales on the veins of the leaves, particularly on the underside. Often stickiness is what draws your attention to it.

Mere ..thanks again for your help. i'll check tomorrow. I didn't want to have to use pest control spray but may have to at this rate!