Help with Lemon Verbena please

[Jayb]

My lemon verbena is mostly dead, I presume from the cold winter we had. It's planted in a fairly sheltered spot in a slightly raised bed, luckily two branches have sprouted this spring.

I'm wondering what is the best way to take cuttings and is it too early to try now? The longest shoots are about 3''. I would hate to lose the plant as it was originally from my Aunty.

[Jayb]

[goodlife]

I took my cuttings last year about July/August time...and most of them took. I don't really think it matters when, if you have cutting material now..go ahead. At least those cuttings have better chance to make some 'woody' growth that will take cold better  then the young stuf.
I had BIG one in lottie and even I gave it thick mulching and cold frame over..winter truly put end to it.
It was just too harsh weather for it. Cutting I kept indoors and those were fine untill I got aphids taking recidence.. ::)
They do root fairly easily. I just stuck mine into Jiffy's and in unheated propagator in shade.

[Alex133]

Have always lost lemon verbena when left outside in winter. If you're successful with cuttings recommend bringing inside for the coldest months.

[aj]

Absolutely, we keep ours in a pot and it comes into the greenhouse each winter and still nearly all dies back.

I'd definitely try to take cuttings. In fact, I might take some myself later today from my plant....

[Jayb]

Cuttings it is then! Mmmm my hands are going to smell just gorgeous, I feel a LV tea is in order  ;D

My plant came originally from Cornwall, we are not as mild here but generally not quite as cold as many parts of the country and it has done really well outside the last 5 or so years. But last two winters have been something else, so I'm surprised it is still going really. From now on regular cuttings and plants to be overwintered somewhere frost free.
Thanks for the help  :)