Generally, I try to save my favorites by bringing them indoors for the winter. This process is usually referred to as overwintering.
Among the ones I usually overwinter are the scented geraniums, plectranthus, rosemary, the tender ivies, and licorice plants.
Of all these, I found the latter to be the most fussy of all. If it isn't provided with the exacting indoor conditions it requires, it may not make it through the winter.
Some of the Mediterranean-type herbs that may be marginally hardy still do better indoors in areas where the garden soil may be poorly drained or constantly wet during the winter months. Examples include some lavenders and rosemary. The hardiest rosemary is said to be 'Arp,' which apparently can tolerate temperatures to about -10 or -15 Fahrenheit, making it hardy in USDA zone 7. However, it wouldn't survive the winter in my poorly drained, heavy clay soil regardless of the temperature.
For most other herbs, the first question to consider regarding overwintering is their winter hardiness. In some cases, you may find the minimum temperature listed on the label instead of the hardiness zone.
Some plants are very tender indeed, and can't withstand even the slightest frost. Plectranthus is an example. It will cease active growth when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or so.
Some varieties or cultivars of specific plants are hardier than others. This is especially true of ones like rosemary.
Both the rosemary and Spanish lavender like similar indoor conditions, sunny and fairly cool. During the daytime, the temperatures should be 60-65 F. at most.
On the other hand, French lavender likes a much cooler temperature. It should be in an unheated space at about 28-32 F. Provided the cold frame is vented and at the proper temperature, French lavender will be very happy there. Otherwise, I would keep it on my cold, sunny porch.
Of the other plants to be overwintered, tropical ones must be kept indoors in heated spaces.
Concerning the other tender species like the scented geraniums, there are two options. If well-lit, warm spaces are available, these will continue to flourish indoors. I don't have enough space on my windowsills. So I place their pots in my frost-free basement, where it is about 45-50 F. Root cellars also work very well.
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