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Lavender is associated with warm temperatures, but there are some hardy species and varieties that also survive our winters. Introducing them.
The genus lavender (Lavendula) belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and includes around 30 different species. True lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavendula latifolia) are of great economic importance. Lavender originally comes from the Mediterranean region, which is why not all varieties are hardy under our climatic conditions and must be brought indoors in the cold months at the latest. In order to avoid this measure, in this article we present a few varieties that you can easily overwinter outdoors under optimal conditions.
True lavender is one of the most robust types of lavender. In its original habitat, it can also be found at higher altitudes and can tolerate temperatures down to -15 °C for short periods. The spike lavender, on the other hand, is much more sensitive to cold temperatures and already has problems at temperatures below -5 °C. We will introduce these two types to you in more detail below.
Winter Hardy Lavender Varieties
True lavender, with its blue-violet flowers, is one of the classic types of lavender. It can tolerate low temperatures for a short time, but depending on the region, it may still be necessary to spend the winter in a sheltered location and additional care measures so that the plant can get through the cold season unscathed. We can recommend the following hardy varieties of real lavender:
- 'Hidcote Blue': Proven variety from England; dark blue flowers with a tinge of purple; blooms from July to August; compact growth
- 'Hidcote Pink': Gorgeous pink flowers; suitable as a scented hedge; flowering time from July to August; strongly scented
- 'Blue Cushion': Blue-purple flowers; bushy growth; suitable as a bed border; blooms from July toAugust; Winter protection against frost is recommended; suitable for pot cultivation
- 'Jamlitz': Proven variety that is extremely tough and robust; also suitable for rough situations; blue-violet flowers from June to July; gets relatively high
- 'Dwarf Blue': Deep blue flowers with a tinge of purple; compact growth; suitable as a bed border and scented hedge; Flowering time from July to August, but possible until late autumn
- 'Blue Ice': Unique ice blue flowers from June to July; hardy variety; can be combined well with darker varieties
- 'Blue Scent': Very robust variety; purple-blue flowers from early June; good growth; rather undemanding
- 'Ellagance Purple': Hardy variety; ideal for the garden; purple flowers from July to August; bushy growth
You can find a comprehensive collection with different varieties of real lavender in all possible colors and shapes in our special article.
Hardy spike lavender varieties
The broad-leaved lavender, as the spike lavender is also called, is frost-resistant to a certain extent, but cannot be classified as winter-hardy. In regions with a very changeable climate, the spike lavender should therefore definitely be brought indoors during the cold months. Cold stress is promoted above all by fluctuating weather conditions with a change between rain, snow, frost and thaw. But the spike lavender should not be exposed to a week-long permafrost. To make wintering easier, it is a good idea to cultivate this species in a tub or pot.
If you would like to learn more about the different types and varieties of lavender, you will find a summary here.
Winter Hardy Lavender
For a successful hibernation, however, not only the selection of the right species is decisive. Good care, the right location and suitable protective measures are also fundamental. For those species that can be overwintered outdoors, a layer of brushwood, leaves or mulch offers protection from precipitation and cold as well as from too much sunlight. On the other hand, it is best to bring potted plants indoors and place them in a dry, unheated room.
See our special article for more tips and tricks on how to overwinter lavender successfully.