You might know it as *Hebe addenda*, but most of us just call it Shrubby Veronica. This beautiful ornamental perennial is a staple at garden centers, and for good reason—there are so many varieties to choose from! While it’s a favorite for many home gardeners, there’s a little catch: it’s not fully winter-hardy. If you want yours to survive until next spring, you’ll need to give it a little extra TLC when the temperature drops.
Fun Facts About Shrubby Veronica
Part of the plantain family, the Shrubby Veronica actually hails all the way from New Zealand. It’s an evergreen shrub with over a hundred different species, some of which can grow up to six feet tall! When it comes to placement, these beauties love a bright spot that stays out of the direct, scorching midday sun. Depending on which variety you pick up, you’ll see blooms anywhere from May to July, or even a late-season show from August through October.
Winterizing Your Hebe Addenda
Since these plants are only “borderline” hardy, you can’t just leave them to fend for themselves in the snow. While they can handle a quick dip to about 23°F (-5°C), they won’t survive a long, freezing winter without help. Here’s a pro tip: small-leafed Hebes are generally tougher and can stay outside with protection, but the large-leafed varieties are total “warmth-lovers” and really should be grown in pots so you can bring them inside.
Once those autumn nights start getting chilly, pile some mulch around the base of your outdoor plants. You should also cover the shrub itself with brushwood or evergreen boughs. When spring rolls around, pull those branches off gradually so the plant can get used to the light again without getting “sunburned.”
Overwintering Potted Hebes Indoors
If you’ve got your Hebe in a container, go ahead and bring it inside in late fall. To keep it happy until spring, look for a spot that hits these three marks:
- Plenty of natural light
- Temperatures between 40°F and 50°F (5-10°C)
- Moderate humidity (not too damp!)
A bright hallway, a finished attic, a sunroom, or a greenhouse are all perfect spots.
Even if you keep your Shrubby Veronica as a houseplant year-round, it still needs a “winter rest” in a cooler spot like the ones mentioned above. While it’s chilling out for the winter, keep these maintenance tips in mind:
- Keep an eye out for any hitchhiking pests.
- Water sparingly—you want the root ball to stay slightly moist, but never soggy.
- As winter ends, slowly reintroduce the plant to brighter light and warmer temps to wake it up.
