Generally speaking, Hebes aren’t exactly what you’d call “winter warriors.” Most of them are pretty sensitive to the cold and won’t survive a harsh winter outdoors. However, depending on the variety, some Shrubby Veronicas can make it through with a little extra TLC. Take *Hebe armstrongii*, for example—it’s a gorgeous foliage plant, but in many gardens, it’s treated as an annual because it just can’t handle the frost.
Overwintering Hebe armstrongii
Since this specific variety is grown mostly for its unique greenery rather than its subtle flowers, you have to be careful. Small specimens usually won’t survive a freeze, even with protection. If you have a larger *Hebe armstrongii* in a pot, your best bet is to move it to a frost-free spot. Some great options include:
- A bright basement
- A hallway or foyer
- A well-lit garage
- An unheated sunroom
- A greenhouse
If you live somewhere with very mild winters, you could try keeping your Hebe outside, but you’ll need to go all out on protection. Start by piling a thick layer of mulch around the base, then cover the plant itself with brushwood or evergreen branches. Just a heads-up: even with the best prep, it’s a gamble. Hebes hate “wet feet” and biting cold.
Caring for Potted Hebe armstrongii
If your Hebe has been living in a container all summer, bring it inside as soon as the temperatures start to dip. Find a cool, bright spot with low humidity. If it doesn’t get enough light, you’ll notice the leaves starting to yellow. Aim for a “sweet spot” temperature between 40°F and 50°F (5 to 10 degrees Celsius).
While it’s “hibernating,” dial back the watering and give it a little fertilizer every two weeks. Keep a close eye out for any hitchhiking pests! Once spring rolls around, don’t just toss it back outside—let it acclimate to the patio for a few hours a day first.
Keeping Potted Hebes Outdoors
If you absolutely have to keep your pots outside, move them to a sheltered spot near the house. Prop the pot up on a block of styrofoam or a thick wooden board to insulate it from the frozen ground. Wrap the container tightly in garden fleece or bubble wrap, mulch the top of the soil, and cover the foliage with evergreen boughs.
Post-Winter Care
Once the threat of night frost has passed, it’s time to wake your Shrubby Veronica up. Remove the winter wrappings and prune away any dead or brown stems. Let the plant soak up some fresh air and sun in a protected spot for a few hours a day. After a few days of “hardening off,” it’ll be ready to return to its favorite summer home!
