How to keep verbena fresh through the winter without losing it

How to keep verbena over winter : bring potted plants indoors to protect them from frost, mulch the base of plants in open ground generously and prune the stems at the end of the season to protect this plant sensitive to cold.

• Lemon verbena is not very hardy and is sensitive to negative temperatures.
• A thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant limits frost damage in open ground.
• Potted plants are ideally overwintered in a frost-free location.
• Pruning in autumn prepares the plant for vigorous growth in spring.
• The harvested leaves can be stored dried or in the refrigerator for the winter.

Why does verbena suffer in winter?

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) originates from warm climates. This explains its low tolerance for frost: as soon as temperatures drop below zero, its plant tissues risk being irreversibly damaged. Understanding this sensitivity is the first step in knowing how to keep lemon verbena healthy during the winter.

Unlike very hardy perennials, this species behaves like a semi-hardy shrub. In mild climates (hardiness zone 8 and above), it can survive in the ground with minimal protection. In colder areas, active intervention is essential.

The plant reacts to the cold by losing its leaves, which can worry gardeners. This phenomenon is normal: it's a natural dormancy, not a sign of death. If the roots and the base of the stems are protected from frost, growth in the spring is generally guaranteed. This is precisely the aim of the techniques presented in this article.

Pruning verbena in autumn: the right method

Pruning is a key step in knowing how to overwinter verbena. It should be done in late autumn, before the first hard frosts. Cut back the stems, leaving about a third of the plant's height: this reduces wind resistance and limits the risk of frost damage.

Remove any faded flowers and remaining seeds. This prevents unwanted propagation and concentrates the plant's energy in its roots for winter. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid unnecessarily damaging the stems.

Don't prune too short: the remaining stems protect the base of the plant. Pruning too severely in autumn can expose the crown to frost. Leave a few centimeters of stem above the ground to create a natural barrier against the cold.

To learn more about the different species and their specific needs, discover our complete guide to verbena varieties to adapt your pruning to the right species.

Mulching: essential protection in open ground

Mulching is undoubtedly the most effective technique for overwintering verbena in the ground. It insulates the soil and roots from sudden temperature changes, retaining residual heat around the base of the plant.

Here are the most suitable mulching materials:

• Dead leaves: light, available for free, they form an effective insulating layer.
• Straw: excellent thermal insulation, easy to remove in the spring.
• Pine bark: aesthetic and durable, it also limits weeds.
• Burlap: can be used to wrap the base of stems in very cold regions.
• Wood chips: good heat retention, decompose slowly to enrich the soil.

Apply mulch around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems. Constant contact between the mulch and the stems can promote moisture retention and fungal diseases. Leave a few centimeters of space between the mulch and the base of the stems, especially in late winter when the plant is beginning to recover.

The recommended thickness varies depending on the severity of the local climate. In areas where frosts remain light, a layer of a few centimeters is sufficient. In colder areas, increase the thickness for better protection.

Overwintering potted verbena: practical steps

For gardeners who grow this plant in containers, the question of how to overwinter verbena is easily solved: simply move the pot indoors before the first frost. This portability is one of the great advantages of growing it in pots.

Choose a location that meets these conditions:

• Temperature maintained between 5°C and 10°C (not freezing, but without excessive heat).
• Sufficient light: a veranda, a glass-enclosed corridor or an unheated greenhouse are perfectly suitable.
• Good ventilation to prevent illnesses caused by stagnant humidity.
• No direct cold air currents.

During winter, drastically reduce watering. The plant is dormant and its water requirements are very low. Light watering every two to three weeks is sufficient to prevent the potting mix from drying out completely. Overwatering in winter is one of the main causes of plant loss.

Avoid fertilizing during this period. Fertilizers stimulate growth, which is counterproductive when the plant needs to rest. Resume fertilizing in the spring, when the first shoots appear.

To master the care of your verbena throughout the year, consult our complete guide on potted verbena with all the practical advice for each season.

Protecting verbena from frost: additional solutions

Beyond mulching and repotting, other techniques exist to help keep verbena alive through the winter, even in harsh weather conditions. These complementary solutions can be adapted to different garden situations.

Winter fleece is a practical option for plants in the ground in areas with moderate frosts. This non-woven fabric allows air and light to pass through while limiting heat loss. Wrap the entire plant or drape the fleece over the foliage like a tent. Remove it as soon as temperatures rise to prevent overheating.

For regions with very cold climates, consider digging up the plant in autumn and keeping it in its root ball in a container filled with slightly moist potting soil, placed in a frost-free location. This more demanding technique guarantees the plant's survival even during harsh winters.

Here is a summary of the solutions according to the climate:

Harvest and store the leaves before winter

Knowing how to store verbena in winter also means remembering to preserve your harvest so you can enjoy its aroma throughout the cold season. Fresh leaves can be kept for up to a week in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in an airtight container.

For longer preservation, drying is the simplest and most effective method:

1. Harvest the leaves in the late morning, after the dew has evaporated.
2. Rinse them gently and dry them with a clean cloth.
3. Arrange them in a thin layer on a grid or tie the stems into small bunches.
4. Hang the bouquets upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
5. Leave to dry for one to two weeks until the leaves are crisp.
6. Store in an airtight glass jar, away from light and moisture.

Dried leaves retain their aroma for several months. You can also freeze them: spread them on a baking sheet, freeze them for a few hours, then transfer them to an airtight bag. This method preserves fresh aroma better than drying.

If you want to choose the right variety for your winter infusions, discover our guide on which verbena to choose for an infusion according to your preferences and needs.

Resumption in the spring after wintering

Having learned how to overwinter lemon verbena, its spring regrowth also requires some attention. Don't worry if the plant seems dormant for a while: lemon verbena is one of the last plants to be revived in spring, sometimes only in May or June.

Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above freezing before moving pots outside or removing mulch. Premature exposure to late frosts can wipe out all winter's work. Be patient and watch for the first buds to appear before taking any action.

As soon as new growth is visible, gradually resume watering and introduce a balanced fertilizer to support it. Lightly pruning stems damaged by winter will stimulate the production of vigorous new shoots. Cut just above a node to guide growth.

To successfully plant or replant your lemon verbena in spring, follow our complete guide to planting lemon verbena with the best practices according to the season.

Plant plenty of verbena before winter to ensure a successful season

A smart strategy to ensure you never lose your plant is to propagate it before the arrival of cold weather. Taking cuttings in late summer or early autumn allows you to create replacement plants that will easily overwinter indoors, even on a windowsill.

The technique of propagation by cuttings is simple:

• Take semi-woody stems from the season, about 10 to 15 cm long.
• Remove the bottom leaves and keep only two or three pairs of leaves at the top.
• Dip the base of the stem in rooting hormone powder (optional but helpful).
• Plant in a mixture of equal parts potting soil and sand.
• Keep the substrate slightly moist and place in light but out of direct sunlight.
• Rooting usually occurs within a few weeks.

These young plants overwinter very well in a bright, temperate room. In spring, they will be ready to be transplanted into the ground or into a larger pot. This method ensures you have a supply of plants even if the mother plant does not survive a particularly harsh winter.

Lemon verbena is also known for its repellent properties. If you'd like to learn more about this use, read our article on lemon verbena as a mosquito repellent to discover how to use it effectively outdoors.

Adapt overwintering according to the variety of verbena

Not all verbenas react the same way to cold. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is the most sensitive to frost. Common verbena (Verbena officinalis), on the other hand, is a much hardier perennial herbaceous plant that can withstand cold winters without any special protection.

Ornamental hybrid verbenas (often annuals in French gardens) generally do not survive from one year to the next in the ground in our latitudes. They are treated as annuals or semi-annuals depending on the regional climate.

Identifying your variety is therefore essential before deciding how to overwinter your verbena. A misidentified plant may receive inappropriate care that worsens its condition rather than protecting it. Our verbena variety guide helps you accurately identify your species and its specific needs.

For lemon verbena specifically, whose overwintering is the most delicate, our article dedicated to lemon verbena in winter details all the precautions to take depending on your region.

Common mistakes to avoid during winter storage

Even with the best intentions, certain mistakes can compromise the plant's chances of survival. Knowing these pitfalls helps you better understand how to overwinter verbena without unpleasant surprises in the spring.

• Overwatering in winter: the dormant plant hardly needs any water. Excess moisture promotes root rot.
• Placing the pot too close to a radiator: the dry heat breaks dormancy and exhausts the plant without it being able to feed itself properly.
• Remove the mulch too early: late frosts in March and April can still be fatal. Wait until the risk of frost has passed.
• Pruning too short in autumn: the remaining stems protect the base of the plant. Cutting back to ground level unnecessarily exposes the plant.
• Forget about ventilation during indoor winter storage: stagnant air promotes fungal diseases. Ventilate the room regularly.
• Neglecting monitoring: regularly check the plant's condition during the winter to quickly detect any signs of disease or excessive drying.

Properties and uses of verbena in winter

Knowing how to preserve verbena over winter makes perfect sense when you consider its many uses. This aromatic plant is prized for its fragrant leaves, used in infusions, cooking, and aromatherapy. Preserving the plant from one year to the next saves you from having to buy it again every spring.

Dried leaves, preserved since autumn, can be used to prepare infusions throughout the cold season. Their characteristic lemony aroma is particularly appreciated in winter for its soothing and digestive effects. Discover the medicinal properties of verbena to better understand all its potential benefits.

Verbena is also an ingredient in many winter hot drink recipes. Proper storage ensures a supply of quality aromatic tea for the entire season. If you are pregnant and wish to consume verbena, please consult our article on verbena and pregnancy for precautions to take.

When to bring out the verbena after winter?

The transition from winter dormancy to winter dormancy is just as important as the entry into it. To successfully navigate this transition and reap the benefits of your efforts to learn how to keep verbena alive through the winter, a few simple rules are essential.

Never place a plant that has overwintered indoors directly into intense sunlight. Proceed gradually, exposing it to outdoor light over several days, first in the shade, then in partial shade, before finally placing it in its permanent sunny location. This gradual acclimatization prevents leaf burn and thermal shock.

Resume watering gradually and wait until the plant shows active signs of growth before fertilizing. Fertilizing too early on a dormant plant can be counterproductive and even stressful for the plant.

Frequently asked questions about how to preserve verbena in winter

Is lemon verbena frost-resistant when planted in the ground?

Lemon verbena is not very hardy and does not tolerate prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. In the ground, it can survive light frosts if it has a thick layer of mulch and is in a sheltered location. In regions with harsh winters and frequent, prolonged frosts, it is safer to dig it up or grow it in a pot so it can be brought indoors. Do not rely on its natural hardiness in cold climates.

At what temperature should potted verbena be brought indoors?

It is advisable to bring potted verbena indoors before nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Don't wait for the first predicted frost to act: anticipate this as soon as nights consistently cool below 5 degrees Celsius. A room maintained between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, without frost, is perfectly suitable for overwintering. Avoid heated rooms, which would disrupt the plant's natural dormancy.

Should verbena be pruned before winter?

Yes, pruning in late autumn is recommended to prepare the plant for winter. Shorten the stems by about a third, remove faded flowers and seeds. This pruning reduces wind resistance, limits the risk of breakage, and concentrates the plant's energy in its roots. However, avoid pruning too short: the remaining stems protect the crown from the most sudden temperature changes.

How can I tell if the verbena has died after winter?

Lemon verbena is often one of the last plants to be replanted in spring, sometimes only in May or June. Before concluding that it's dead, gently scratch the bark of a stem with your fingernail: if the wood underneath is green or white, the plant is alive. If the wood is brown and dry along the entire length of all the stems, the plant probably didn't survive. Always wait until the end of May before making this final decision.

How long do dried verbena leaves keep?

Properly dried verbena leaves, stored in an airtight container away from light and moisture, will keep for several months. Their aroma remains good throughout the winter. After this time, the leaves gradually lose their characteristic fragrance. To optimize preservation, use glass jars with airtight lids and store in a dark, dry cupboard, away from heat sources.

Can you keep verbena on a windowsill during the winter?

An indoor windowsill can be suitable for overwintering a small verbena plant, provided the window is well-insulated and the temperature doesn't drop below 5 degrees Celsius at night. Sufficient light is essential. Be careful of cold drafts that can get between the glass and the pot. Water sparingly and do not fertilize during this dormant period. An unheated conservatory is preferable.

Is mulching enough to protect verbena from frost?

Mulching is effective in protecting the roots and crown from light to moderate frosts. It does not protect the above-ground parts of the plant from severe and prolonged frosts. In regions with mild winters, a thick layer of dead leaves or straw around the base of the plant is often sufficient to ensure its survival. In colder areas, combine mulching with a winter fleece or bring the plant indoors in a pot.

Should you water verbena in winter?

Verbena's water needs are very low during the winter, whether the plant is in a pot indoors or planted in the ground under mulch. In a pot, light watering every two to three weeks is sufficient to prevent the potting mix from drying out completely. In the ground, winter rains are generally enough. Overwatering during dormancy is one of the main causes of root rot and plant loss.

How to keep verbena fresh during the winter in very cold regions?

In regions with very harsh winters, overwintering verbena requires more drastic measures. Dig up the plant in autumn before the first frosts, keep it in its root ball in a container of slightly moist potting soil, and place it in a frost-free location. You can also take cuttings in late summer and overwinter them indoors. These young plants can be replanted in spring to replace the parent plant if it hasn't survived.

When to remove the mulch in spring?

Wait until the risk of late frosts has completely passed before removing the mulch. In France, depending on the region, this is generally mid-April at the earliest, and sometimes late May in mountainous or continental areas. Remove the mulch gradually rather than all at once to avoid exposing new growth to sudden temperature changes. Keep fresh mulch on hand to replace if a late frost is forecast.

Does common vervain need the same winter protection?

No. Common vervain (Verbena officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant that is much hardier than lemon verbena. It tolerates cold winters without special protection in most regions of France. It dies back during the winter and regrows naturally from its roots in the spring. Only lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) requires the precautions detailed in this article.

How to keep verbena fresh in an apartment during winter?

Keeping verbena alive in an apartment requires a few adjustments. Place the pot in the coolest and brightest room available, ideally a poorly heated bedroom or a windowed hallway. Keep the pot away from radiators and other sources of dry heat. Reduce watering to the bare minimum. If the apartment is kept at a high temperature year-round, the plant will struggle to go dormant and will gradually weaken. Overwintering it at a friend's house with a frost-free cellar or garage is an alternative to consider.

Can verbena be propagated from cuttings in autumn?

Yes, autumn is a good time to take lemon verbena cuttings before temperatures drop too low. Take semi-hardwood stems from the season, remove the lower leaves, and plant them in a well-draining mix. Keep them indoors in a bright, warm location. These cuttings will overwinter easily and be ready to be transplanted in the spring. This is excellent insurance against the loss of the mother plant over winter.

Key takeaways

Knowing how to keep verbena alive through winter relies on a few simple principles: protect the roots from frost with suitable mulch, bring potted plants indoors to a frost-free and bright location, prune the stems in autumn without cutting them back too much, and drastically reduce watering during dormancy. These actions, taken at the right time, allow this precious aromatic plant to survive the cold season unscathed.

To successfully overwinter verbena, it's also about planning ahead: harvest and dry your leaves before the first frosts, take cuttings in late summer to ensure a good supply for the following season, and identify your variety to tailor its care to its specific needs. For more information on caring for your verbena throughout the year, see our comprehensive advice on growing verbena in pots and enjoy this extraordinary plant in every season.

Concrete action: from the first cool nights of October, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your verbena in the ground or bring your pot into a frost-free location — this is the simplest and most effective way to avoid losing your plant.