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, we'll provide top tips to ensure your lavender doesn't just survive the winter but emerges even stronger in the spring.

About Lavender

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. It's 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. It's 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.

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.

English Lavender

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.

French Lavender

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.

Spanish Lavender

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.

Portuguese Lavender

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, it's 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.

Lavandin

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.

Preparing A Lavender Plant For Winter

As the temperatures begin to drop in fall and the first frost of the season looms, it's time to start thinking about winter care for your lavender plants when living in cold climates. With a little bit of preparation in your fall clean-up chores, you can ensure that your plants survive the cold weather and danger of frost. Here are my top tips to overwinter lavender like a pro.

Mulch

Hands down, the best way you can protect your lavender is by applying a 2-3 inch thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or fallen leaves, around the base of the plant to protect and insulate the roots. Not only does this protect the roots from snow and cold temps in the winter, but it also works to retain moisture in the late spring and summer when rainfall in this area rapidly decreases.

When applying the mulch, keep it away from woody and “alive” parts of the plants, as over time, the wood chips will eat at the plant, and it will rot. Keep a few inches from where the actual growth of the plant touches the mulch, and also be sure to add no more than 3 inches of mulch as this can lead to root rot.

Prune

Lavender plants need to be pruned once per year, typically in early fall 6 weeks before the first frost. If kept unpruned, a lavender plant will become leggy and eventually overgrown, which restricts light and air circulation to the leaves of the plant. If this happens, the health of the plant begins to rapidly decline, and it eventually turns brown and dies.

At this point in the season, the purple, white, or pink flowers should have browned and the stems dried up. To prune, take a sharp and sanitized pair of pruning shears and make several cuts at the base of the stems, forming a ball-shaped mound with the existing plant. Prune all dead wood but avoid taking too much new growth away, as this will mature in the following year. In general, you’ll want to prune about ⅓ of the existing plant’s size.

If winter has already come, do not prune your plants as they are already in their dormancy stage. Wait until spring and then prune again when the following fall season comes.

Organic Fertilizer

Applying a thin layer of organic material such as compost is a great way to fertilize your lavender plants, as many soils in Western Washington are loamy and gravelly and can always use an amendment such as compost or aged manure. However, the best time to fertilize Lavender is in Spring, when the plant starts to produce new growth. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter while the plant is dormant.

Step-by-step Instructions: How To Care For Lavender In Winter

Winter can be a bit tough on lavender plants if they’re left unprotected. Follow these steps to keep your plants healthy and resilient leading up to the winter months:

Apply mulch.
If you have not already done so in the fall, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, such as wood chips, fallen leaves, or straw, around the plant. This will help to insulate the plant's roots and protect them from frost and snow.
Cover the plant with burlap or frost cloth.
This is only necessary for extreme weather conditions such as unprecedented snow or long periods of freezing temperatures. This will help to protect the plant from harsh winds and frost. Make sure the cover is not too tight around the plant and allows for good air circulation.
For lavender plants in pots.
Move them to a sheltered area, such as a covered porch or garage. If the pot is small, consider moving it to a larger pot with fresh soil for added insulation at least 6 weeks before your first frost.
Let them be.
During winter, lavender plants are in their dormancy state so if they have the right protection for their roots, they will be able to make it through the winter. There’s no need to continue to water them as the increased rainfall during the fall and winter months will be sufficient for their water needs. Too much water can lead to root rot.

How To Care For Potted Lavender Plants In Winter

If you’re currently growing your lavender in pots, move your potted plants to a sheltered location, like a garage or covered patio, for better winter protection. There they can receive extra protection from cold temperatures. 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.

FAQ

Do you cut back lavender in winter?

There’s no need to cut back lavender in the winter because the plant is in its dormant state. Pruning during the winter can expose it to the cold and leave it vulnerable to damage. The best time to prune lavender is in the early fall, at least 6 weeks before the first frost. The only exception is if there are diseased stems and you haven’t already pruned in the fall, as it's best to prune them back to prevent further damage to the plant.

Should you fertilize lavender in winter?

During winter, it's generally best not to fertilize lavender plants during their dormancy period. It's better to hold off on fertilizing until spring when lavender plants start actively growing again, as this gives them the necessary nutrients to kick-start growth.

Should I water lavender in the winter?

No - the amount of rainfall during the fall and winter months will be enough to water your lavender plants, especially if you’ve added a layer of mulch. In general, as the plants mature, they will need less and less water after they’ve been established.

How do you keep lavender alive in winter?

To keep lavender alive in winter, you need to protect it from the cold by adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, reducing watering to minimal or stopping watering altogether, and adding a cover for extreme snow events or long periods of temperatures below freezing. Move any potted plants to warm and protected areas such as the south side of a house, the edge of a garage, or a patio.

Can lavender live inside in winter?

While lavender is typically an outdoor plant, it can be brought inside during the winter months in colder climates (colder than USDA Zone 5). It's important to make sure the plant gets enough light and good air circulation. Be sure to also keep the plant away from sources of heat, like radiators or space heaters, as these will dry out the plants way more than they need.

Does lavender look dead in winter?

Lavender can appear "dead" in the winter months, but this is a natural part of its annual growth cycle called dormancy. Just like a tree, during this period, it conserves energy and prepares for new growth in the spring. It's important to avoid pruning or disturbing the plant during this time, as it needs this period of dormancy to rest and remain healthy.

Will Lavender come back every year?

Yes! Lavender is a perennial plant and will come back every year. As years go on it will mature and grow. With proper care and maintenance, lavender can live for up to 15 years, depending on the variety.

Final Words

Caring for lavender in the winter isn't just about ensuring the plant's survival but also about paving the way for thriving, rich blooms in the subsequent seasons. With a little bit of fall care and winter preparation, your lavender plants can survive the cold winter months and continue to provide gorgeous blooms for us and our pollinating friends. So, as the cold winds start to blow, remember these tips to safeguard your lavender and look forward to its renewed beauty with the first hints of spring.

How To Care For Lavender In Winter: Top 5 Tips

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About Lavender