Lavender, with its captivating scent and vibrant purple blooms, is a favorite among many gardeners. But while it thrives during warm summer days, severe winter weather can be a challenging time for this perennial herb. Ensuring your lavender plants make it through the cold months requires a bit of knowledge and preparation. From mulching to moving your potted plants to protected areas, these measures will help your lavender survive the cold winter months and thrive again in the upcoming year, creating stunning purple blooms not only for us but also for our pollinating friends. In this guide, well provide top tips to ensure your lavender doesnt just survive the winter but emerges even stronger in the spring.
Lavender originated in the mountainous regions between the Mediterranean and Western Europe. Through colonization and travel, lavender was disbursed throughout many parts of the world and is now cultivated across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North and South America.
In the last 20 years, lavender has become increasingly popular in Washington as more and more lavender farms and fields have sprung up across the state. The favorable climate and soil conditions in certain regions, such as the Olympic Peninsula and Yakima Valley, make it ideal for cultivation.
In the mid-1990s, knowing that lavender grew well in the area, residents of Sequim started to grow it as a means to bring in more outside traffic to the town. Every year Sequim has a “Lavender Festival,” and it has since become so popular that Sequim has been labeled the Lavender capital of the United States.
Lavender is seriously awesome when it comes to its medicinal uses. Its been used for ages as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia, thanks to its calming and relaxing properties. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving abilities that can help with skin irritations, muscle aches, and headaches. Its very popular as an aromatherapy oil for relaxation as well.
Many different generalist pollinators in our area like lavender, including bumble bees, honey bees, butterflies, bee-flies, hummingbirds, beetles, and some kinds of moths. It also works to repel many different critters, such as mosquitoes, flies, and fleas. Planting lavender interspersed in an herb or veggie is a great way to invite beneficial generalist pollinators in and keep unwanted pests out. It should be noted that lavender is not native to the PNW and thus will not interact with native pollinators that only interact with specific native plants which is the case for most specialized native pollinators. Native flowering plants specific to our area will have a much greater impact overall on pollinators, insects, and local biodiversity.
Lavender is a fragrant herb that brings beauty and aroma to gardens with its stunning flowers and gray-green foliage While lavender thrives in warm climates, it can also be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder regions if proper care is provided With the right techniques, you can keep potted lavender thriving for many years.
Choosing the Right Lavender Varieties
To increase your success overwintering lavender in pots, choose cold-hardy cultivars suited to your climate. Some top winter-tolerant varieties include:
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English Lavender (L. angustifolia) Cultivars like ‘Munstead,’ ‘Hidcote,’ and ‘Twickel Purple’ tend to be quite winter hardy.
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Lavandin (L x intermedia) ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ are two sturdy hybrids,
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French Lavender (L. dentata): Tolerates damp soil better than other types.
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Spanish Lavender (L. stoechas): ‘Otto Quast’ and ‘Richard Gray’ handle humidity well.
When buying lavender starts, check plant tags for variety names and growing zones. This gives clues about winter hardiness.
Providing Winter Protection
Keeping lavender in pots makes it easy to move plants into protected areas once cold weather arrives. Here are some tips:
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Before temperatures drop below freezing, move pots to a sheltered spot like an unheated garage, shed, or covered porch.
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Group pots together and cover with horticultural fleece, burlap, or straw. This insulates the soil and root zones.
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For added cold protection, surround pots with mulch, leaves, or wood chips. This prevents container soil from freezing solid.
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During warm spells, temporarily remove coverings so plants aren’t shocked by sudden temperature changes. Re-cover at night if frost threatens.
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Avoid allowing potted lavender to repeatedly freeze and thaw. Fluctuating temperatures damage roots and cause dieback.
Proper winter protection prevents damage from harsh winds, heavy snow, and extreme cold. Sheltering container plants is vital for their survival.
Providing the Right Soil
Lavender needs quick-draining soil and won’t tolerate soggy winter conditions. Here are some tips for the best potting mixes:
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Use a commercial potting soil as a base. Mix in added perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
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Create a custom blend using equal parts potting mix, perlite, and peat moss. This gives an airy, sandy composition ideal for lavender.
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Avoid heavy garden soil which compacts over winter and suffocates roots. Use light commercial mixes amended with grit.
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Allow container soil to dry out between waterings. Excess winter moisture causes root rot in lavender.
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Ensure containers have drainage holes at the base. Elevate pots on blocks/bricks so excess water can escape.
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Monitor soil moisture in winter and only water the top few inches become completely dry.
Pruning Lavender for Winter
Pruning lavender in fall helps promote winter survival for container plants. Follow these tips:
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Prune about 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost. This gives new growth time to harden off before winter arrives.
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Cut back flower stalks to just above the first set of leaves on each stem using cleaned pruners.
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Remove weak, damaged, or diseased stems entirely back to the plant’s base.
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Shape plants by cutting 1/3 of the foliage off the top to prevent excessive wind damage.
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Clear fallen leaves and debris from around the base to prevent disease spread.
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Rinse tools in diluted bleach between each cut to avoid transmitting infections.
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Avoid pruning lavender past mid-autumn. This removes protective foliage just before harsh weather hits.
Watering Needs in Winter
Lavender enters dormancy as winter approaches. During this stage, container plants need little water:
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Allow soil to thoroughly dry out between winter waterings. Wet soil causes root rot.
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Check moisture 2-3 inches below the surface before watering. Only water if the top few inches are completely dry.
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When watering dormant lavender, moisten the soil without saturating it fully. Use a moisture meter to check levels.
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Water very sparingly during warm winter spells. Don’t spur plants to break dormancy too early.
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Resume normal watering in early spring as plants exit dormancy and new growth emerges.
Reduce watering frequency, but don’t let potting mixes totally dry out. Periodically check moisture below the surface with your finger or a moisture meter probe.
Fertilizer Tips
Lavender doesn’t need fertilizer during its winter dormant period:
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Avoid fertilizers after late summer/early fall. This can encourage tender new growth before frost arrives.
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Slow-release organic granular fertilizers applied in spring will provide nutrients as plants resume growth.
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Start liquid feeding a few weeks after new growth emerges in spring. Use a balanced flower fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
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When repotting lavender in spring, mix some slow-release fertilizer into potting soil. This gives a gradual nutrient boost.
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Excess nitrogen causes leggy, weak growth. Use a lower nitrogen formula like 5-10-10.
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Too much winter fertilization can negatively impact flowering and cause damage. Let lavender enter dormancy naturally without late feeding.
Signs of Winter Damage
Check overwintered lavender frequently for any signs of winter stress:
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Wilted, shriveled leaves indicate desiccation. Plants need more humidity.
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Black or mushy roots signal root rot from overwatering. Repot plants in fresh, dry soil.
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Dieback of stems and foliage is caused by extreme cold. Prune damaged areas and provide better protection.
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White mold or bluish-green foliage shows fungal disease. Improve air circulation and treat with fungicides.
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Blown over or uprooted plants happen after strong winds. Add supports and shelter from gusts.
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Premature leaf drop can result from drastic temperature swings. Move plants to a more protected spot.
Address any issues promptly to get lavender healthy again after winter dormancy. Damaged plants often recover well with improved care.
Moving Lavender Outdoors in Spring
Lavender can be moved back outside once all danger of frost has passed. This is usually mid to late spring after temperatures have warmed up sufficiently.
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First, set potted lavender plants outside during the day if nighttime temperatures remain above 55°F.
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Transplant into the garden or place pots in their permanent outdoor spots after your last expected spring frost.
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Gradually introduce potted lavender to sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Start with just 1-2 hours of early morning sun.
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Watch weather forecasts closely and be ready to take protective actions if a late cold snap occurs.
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Resume fertilizing and normal watering schedules as plants come out of dormancy.
Always follow proper hardening off procedures when moving overwintered lavender back outside. This prevents shock and sun damage to new growth.
Enjoy Years of Lavender Beauty
With the right overwintering practices, gardeners in cold climates can keep potted lavender thriving for many seasons. Follow these tips to help your lavender successfully survive harsh winters:
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Select hardy lavender varieties suited to your climate zone
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Give containers proper winter protection and shelter
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Use fast-draining potting mixes amended with grit
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Prune plants in early fall before heavy frosts hit
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Reduce watering during winter dormancy periods
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Avoid fertilizing dormant lavender
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Check often for damage issues
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Gradually transition potted lavender to full sun in spring
With attention to its preferred winter conditions, your potted lavender will emerge healthy and vigorous when warmer weather returns. Enjoy this aromatic herb for many years through proper overwintering care.
5 Types of Lavender Plants
Lavender plants are members of the Lamiaceae family. There are currently over 45 species. When it comes to the variety of lavender, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from. Depending on your personal preference and local availability. Here are five types of lavenders to beautify your landscape with.
One of the most commonly grown lavender species is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender. Even though it originated in the Mediterranean, it received that name due to its ability to adapt to England’s climate, and it was also commonly used as an English perfume. It has a soft, pleasant scent and is the variety most often used in soaps, perfumes, aromatherapy, and cooking. There are many varieties with different colors, such as blue, light purple, or even white.
Lavandula dentata, popularly known as French Lavender, is a beautiful and unique species native to the Mediterranean region. This variety is characterized by its grey-green serrated leaves and whimsical, long-lasting spikes topped with delicate purple flowers. Distinguished from its counterparts by the small toothed edges of its leaves, hence the name dentata, French Lavender often blooms almost continuously from mid-spring to late autumn. Not just an ornament for gardens, its scent is slightly sharper than that of the English lavender, making it perfect for potpourri and aromatic decor. French Lavender prefers a warmer climate and is less cold-hardy than some other types, but in return, offers an extended flowering period.
Lavandula stoechas, also known as Spanish lavender, is native from Spain to Turkey and is known for its distinct and upright petals and a fragrance that smells similar to a blend of lavender and rosemary. It grows a bit smaller than many other varieties (2-3 feet tall and wide), and is commonly used in potpourri and sachets.
Lavandula latifolia, commonly known as Portuguese Lavender or Spike Lavender, hails originally from the regions of Spain, Portugal, and the western Mediterranean. It stands out due to its strong, camphor-like scent, which is more pungent than other lavender varieties. Often taller than its counterparts, Portuguese Lavender boasts vibrant, dark violet flower spikes, which not only create a visual spectacle but also attract a host of pollinators. Traditionally, its the oil from this variety that has been used in paint industries and sometimes for medicinal purposes, given its distinct and robust aroma. Like French Lavender, Portuguese Lavender is fond of sunny locations and well-drained soil but can be a bit more tolerant to colder climates, making it versatile in various garden settings.
Lavandula intermedia, with its common name Lavandin, is a hybrid species that is a cross between English lavender and spike lavender. It’s more vigorous and has larger spikes. It is known for its strong scent and high oil content, so it’s often used in the production of cosmetics and fragrances. Flowers of the Lavandin are also used in cooking, particularly in the production of Herbes de Provence mix or potpourri.
These are just some examples of the many types of lavender plants available, each with unique features and uses. Check a local nursery for availability to learn more about that lavender variety that will best suit you.
Is Lavender A Perennial Or Annual Plant?
Lavender is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back every year and does not die off after one season like a tomato or pepper plant in our area. Lavender bushes can live for several years and produce beautiful blooms each season, with more and more as they mature. Some varieties of lavender are hardier than others, and the lifespan of your plants will depend greatly on factors like climate, soil, access to sun, and the right care.
Protecting Young Lavender Plants for the Winter: Top Tips!! – Lavender World
FAQ
How do you keep potted lavender alive in the winter?
Wherever you choose to move them, make sure they can still remain in full sun but are protected from harsh winds or pockets of frost. The south-facing side of a house also works well. Avoid watering your potted plants unless you’ve moved them indoors, which is only needed in colder climates than USDA Zone 5.
Does lavender need to be cut back for winter?
(1) Prune lavender only in the spring, while the plant is still in winter dormancy or once green growth is noticed, but prior to bud formation, if possible (usually the month of May). Do NOT prune lavender in the fall in northern climates, as this may kill the plant. (2) Prune up to 1/3 the branch’s length.
What temperature is too cold for potted lavender?
Temperature: You’ll want to keep your lavender at at least 60°F when they venture indoors. Try to avoid areas with fluctuating temperatures like near drafty windows or next to heaters. Watering: Be careful not to overwater your plant during the winter.
What does lavender look like in winter?
Lavender plants undergo a natural dormancy period every winter. The leaves on your lavender plants will change from their deep, summertime green to a silvery, sage green. Your plants are not dead, merely resting. In cold climates, we advise not pruning nor covering your plants in the wintertime.