The Verbena genus (bot. *Verbena*) is a big family with over 70 different species scattered across the globe. Because they come from so many different climates, their needs—and their ability to handle a cold snap—vary quite a bit. The short answer? Not all verbenas are built for the winter.
Which Verbenas are actually cold-hardy?
Generally speaking, the verbenas that can handle a freeze are the ones native to North America or Central and Northern Europe. The top of the list is Common Vervain (bot. *Verbena officinalis*). You might know this one by names like Holy Herb or Simpler’s Joy. Just a quick heads-up: don’t confuse it with Lemon Verbena! While they sound similar, Lemon Verbena actually belongs to a completely different plant genus.
Other hardy favorites include Blue Vervain (bot. *Verbena hastata*) and Rose Verbena (bot. *Verbena canadensis*). Even though Rose Verbena is considered hardy, I always recommend giving it a little extra winter protection just to be safe. This beauty produces stunning pinkish-purple blooms and loves being planted in sandy soil. It stays pretty low to the ground, usually topping out at about 8 inches. On the flip side, Blue Vervain can be a real standout in the garden, reaching heights of over three feet!
Then there’s the popular Tall Verbena (bot. *Verbena bonariensis*). This one is a bit of a “maybe” when it comes to winter. It’s only semi-hardy, meaning it usually only survives the winter in regions with very mild climates. In those warmer spots, it might even stay green all year round. Like most members of the family, it thrives in a sunny, warm location.
Is it worth trying to overwinter your Verbena?
If you have a variety that is at least somewhat hardy, I’d say go for it! The effort is pretty minimal. And here’s a pro-tip: even if your plant doesn’t make it through a particularly brutal winter, you often won’t need to buy new ones. Many species are excellent at self-seeding, meaning new babies will likely pop up on their own in the spring.
For the more sensitive types, you’ll want to provide a thick “blanket” of brushwood, straw, or mulch to keep the roots cozy. If you’re growing them in pots, moving them to a frost-free spot indoors is your best bet. Just make sure to check if you have a perennial variety before you start—you don’t want to put in all that work for a plant that was only meant to live for one season!
Cold-Hardy Verbena Species:
- Common Vervain (bot. *Verbena officinalis*)
- Blue Vervain (bot. *Verbena hastata*)
- Rose Verbena (bot. *Verbena canadensis*)
Quick Tip: Only a few species are tough enough to handle a harsh winter without any help. When in doubt, add some mulch!
