Lavender is used to the Mediterranean climate, but it can also survive our winter. We show what needs to be considered when overwintering lavender.

In winter, the lavender should be protected from cold and precipitation

Lavender (Lavandula) originally comes from the warm Mediterranean region, where it can be found in mountainous regions or near the coast, depending on the species. The real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is therefore usually much more resistant to the winter cold than, for example, the broad-leaved spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) or the beautiful one French lavender (Lavandula stoechas). In this article, we explain how you can successfully overwinter your lavender in pots and beds.

Winter lavender

Not every type of lavender is hardy and can survive the cold season outside without protection. Probably the most robust type is the real lavender. This can usually remain in the bed without any problems. In contrast, spike lavender, French lavender and the like are more sensitive to frost and therefore need special protection in winter. If you plant them directly in a bucket, they can easily be relocated to a sheltered spot in the garden or house.

Pruning before winter?

Regular pruning of lavender is important in order to prevent the bush from becoming bare in the long term and to keep the plant compact. However, if pruned too late in the summer, the lavender will not be able to mature in time. The last pruning should therefore take place at the beginning of August at the latest. If frostbite should nevertheless occur in winter, you can remove the dead parts of the plant the next time you cut back in late spring.

The pruning takes place in summer

Lavender how and where to overwinter?

Depending on the type and variety of lavender, overwintering in pots and/or in the garden bed is possible. We will explain to you what you need to consider depending on the form of cultivation.

Overwintering lavender in a pot

Types of lavender that are sensitive to frost (spike lavender, French lavender) are best cultivated in planters. Get them before the first frostThen bring potted plants indoors and place them in a dry, unheated area. Cellars, garages, greenhouses or conservatories are particularly suitable for overwintering.

If you have no space inside, however, the parking space in the garden should always be frost-free and partially shaded. A house wall also offers a shield against wind. As a protective measure against ground frost, you can place the pot on an insulating mat as a base or alternatively on polystyrene or wood. Terracotta pots are particularly suitable for overwintering, as they bind excess moisture and protect the roots from freezing. If the temperatures drop below zero for a longer period of time, the bucket can be placed inside or covered with straw mats as thermal insulation.

French lavender is often cultivated in pots all year round

Winter lavender in the bed

For those species that can be overwintered outdoors - these are especially the varieties of real lavender - a wind-protected location is of great importance. A layer of brushwood, leaves or mulch also offers protection from precipitation and cold as well as from excessive solar radiation. Because the combination of frost and sun can be fatal for lavender. If more water evaporates through the leaves than the plant can absorb from the soil, there is a risk of dehydration even in winter. A cover made of garden fleece or coconut mats, which serves as thermal insulation, also protects against permafrost below -15 °C.

Watering lavender in winter

Thanks to its long taproot, lavender is able to provide itself outdoors with sufficient water and nutrients from deeper layers of the earth. In winter you only need to water when necessary if the soil is frost-free and permeable. Otherwise, the roots could be damaged when the water freezes again. In pot cultivation, the lavender needs to be watered more regularly. Nevertheless, water in moderation during the cold months and make sure that excess water can drain off. You should definitely avoid waterlogging, otherwise the Mediterranean herb tends to rot. You can find more information about watering lavender in our special article.

In winter, lavender is only watered when necessary if the soil is frost-free and permeable

Particularly hardy lavender types and varieties

The varieties of real lavender are particularly robust and well toleratedTemperatures down to -15 °C as long as there is no permafrost. Spicy lavender, for example, is much more sensitive to frost and does not cope particularly well with fluctuating weather. To give you an overview of the diversity of lavender, we have compiled a special article on particularly hardy lavender varieties for you.

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Garden Design