Lavender , native to the sunny , spicy , and dry regions of the Mediterranean , Middle East , and India , can be a bit tricky to maintain through the cold winter months , where temperature drop below freezing . However , it ’s not all raw ; this drought - tolerant flora can brave quite the chill , enduring temperatures as low as -15 ° to -20 ° C .
However , it ’s deserving note that some diversity , such as the butterfly stroke lavender ( Lavandula stoechas ) andFrench lavender(Lavandula dentata ) , might not fare as well , might need additional care to survive the wintertime in colder geographical zone .
With wintertime just around the corner , now ’s the perfect fourth dimension to bug out train your wanted lavender shrubs for the cold and wet conditions in front , in particular if they ’ve been left exposed or weakened from not receiving the right care in gloam .
Lavender industrial plant naturally go dormant in wintertime . To shield your lavender from coarse wintertime elements — even in part where cold gingersnap , heavy rainfall , and inviolable winds are rare — it ’s crucial to prepare them for the colder months beforehand .
Do n’t worry – overwintering lavender is n’t a complex process . With just a bit of extra maintenance during the wintertime days , fare spring , your lavender will be in prize condition , full-bodied and ready to burst into a dazzling bloom .
To direct you through this process , I ’ve put together filled with tips on overwintering your lavender , check it gets the proper care it needs to not only outlive the wintertime but also thrive in the season to follow .
Not All Types of Lavender Need the Same Winter Protection
Lavender has many mintage , and some are more cold unfearing , others are soft , so , it really depends on the USDA geographical zone you mature yourLavandulashrubs in .
The species that most withstand humiliated temperatures is also the most fragrant , English lavender , orLavandula angustifolia , and the hybridlavandin(Lavandula x intermedia ) , both stalwart toUSDA zone 5 . Typically , these varieties can overwinter outdoors without needing additional shelter , maintaining their perennial nature .
Next , we have smallSpanish , or butterfly lavender(Lavandula stoechas ) , with showy prime and hardy toUSDA zone 6 .
ButFrench lavender(Lavandula dentata ) is quite tender , and only dusty hardy toUSDA zone 8 . The hybridgiant lavender(Lavandula x allardii ) is even more tender , and only desirable forUSDA zones 9 and above …
So , The demand to winterize your lavender will depend on both your USDA zone and the diverseness of your shrubs .
Regardless of the mixed bag , I always winterize my lavender , even in zona where they are considered hardy . Take English lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) for illustration .
If you ’ve get it in a zone 5 or 6 garden , establish it a bit of additional TLC during wintertime is key . The weather condition ’s getting wilder , and the winds can be pretty harsh .
So , a little wintertime protection goes a long path in keeping your plants hale and hearty .
When Should You Start Overwintering your lavender?
Winterizing lavender is different from other works and shrubs , because you may need to embark on well in betterment ! Even if they are in excellent growing conditions , with dry and well drained soil , you must startat least 6 workweek before the first day of frost , and this process may stay on till about the time when temperatures drop to 0oC ( or 32oF ) .
But if your soil has poor , or even less than perfect drainage , you will need to start winterizing your fragrant lavendermonths ahead , I would evoke in former summer , or after they have bloom .
All this will become vindicated right now , when we seem at the what you need to do to gear up your lavender shrub for winter .
5 Ways to Winterize Your Lavender Shrubs to Protect Them From Cold and Wet Winters
you may formulate your own methods to protect your bushy lavender in wintertime , and the aim is to shelter them from cold and wet weather condition . But there are 5 try on and tested method I have used for decennary , and here they are .
1: Improve Soil Drainage to Protect Your Lavender’s Roots From Wet Winters!
If the ascendant of your lavender do n’t grow in dead drained soil , you will have to improve it , otherwise the roots will be wet during the wintertime months , and urine can turn to ice rink , ruining them or even kill them !
Of of course , all lavender varieties need fantabulous drainage all year round , so , this is not just for winters . However , if your grease is n’t course or for good well - drained , it might become more prostrate to hold moisture as the seasons change .
To keep this , I prefer planting my lavender in open area , free from falling leaves from deciduous plants , tree , and other bush , as these can put up to the soil retain more moisture . Of course , I sympathize that not everyone has the luxuriousness of choose their planting fix .
As before long as you acknowledge that the soil ’s drainage has worsened , ( and it may be in summer ! ) bestow lots ofcoarse grit , and allow it to get through underground ahead of wintertime , which can take week , even up to a calendar month ! If your soil ’s drainage is poor because it is clayish , then add gypsum as well , because moxie alone will not improve its draining abilities .
I also detect that aerating the grime can aid , and I use a broadfork to do it – it is quite a pleasant job , and easier than digging or hoeing …
Even if the soil ’s drainage is fair , but I know the area has very wet winters , I still like to improve it well ahead of winter , even in early fall .
2: Prune Your Lavender in the Late Fall to Keep It Strong During Harsh Winters!
Iprune lavender in late summertime or early declination , once they ’ve cease their blooming season . This not only reduces their size but also bolster their strength , preparing them to face the abrasive winter weather in advance . I ’d recommend you do the same to see to it your lavender is winter - quick .
And yes , It ’s crucial to note , however , that pruning lavender right before winter lot in is a no - go . Your shrub require a lower limit of six weeks to heal and fortify before the first hoarfrost hits . And here is a quick guide on how to do it .
Of course , pruning lavender has many more skills and prospect overall , but this is what you need to check that that your fragrant bush are healthy and stiff enough to withstand the winter climate . But , remember , do it at least 6 workweek before frost ! The earlier the beneficial ( even just after unfolding , or when you harvest its prime ) .
3:Apply a Layer of Mulch Around the Base of Your Lavender Shrubs
On the other bridge player , you may take it gentle with mulching your lilac shrub to protect them from cold and blotto winters . you’re able to do thisup to the first Clarence Day of hoarfrost , but I ordinarily prefer to do it when I prune them . Just to do everything at a time .
Lay at least 2 inches ( 5.0 atomic number 96 ) and up to 4 inches ( 10 cm ) of beneficial quality mulch , like wood bark , or stubble , making certain you attain the base of the shrub , and cover all the expanse where they had spread when in bloom .
I would n’t compost lavender in downfall ; it wo n’t need it , and it is a shrub that survives on very little in terms of nutrients . What ’s more , it withholds humidity , so compostingLavandulashrubs before wintertime can cause more damage than good !
4: Cover Lavender Plant to Keep Them Warm During Winter
If I bear avery harsh wintertime , I also like tocover my lavenderto protect them from wind and immobilize temperature , and once you have pruned them right , it is easygoing and cheaper to do it .
However , to cover your lavender for wintertime , you shouldwait till about the first day of frost , becausethe more they stick in the open breeze , the healthier they are .
And I also suggest yougiveyour lavender a good spraying ofneem oil , which will protect them from fungi and mould ( and also sponger ) which can thrive in the warm and enclosed surround of works natural covering . Mix a teaspoon of neem crude in a one cubic decimeter spray bottle , and check that you reach the inner section of the shrubs , which are quite hidden under the dumb foliation and branches .
you could buy abreathable textile top , which wait like tunnels , or igloo tent , but check that it is at leas 12 column inch ( 30 cm ) larger and taller than your sweet smell out unfolding bush ; it needs air and blank . Most have windowpane for ventilation system , which you should open during the Clarence Day when it is meek .
If you witness mould and fungus , again , use a neem oil and water result to get disembarrass of them .
Otherwise , you could make your own , with cellophane and posts or sticks , like bamboo etc . But ensure you localise lots of yap in them , to give up your lavender to respire . Finally , check them on a regular basis for contagion and pesterer , once a week , and verify youlook closely at the inner parts of the shrub , at the base , and central branches , because that ’s where most fungi , molds and other infections encounter prolific ground to grow !
Also , I would suggest you tocover young lavender shrubseven if you do n’t have a bun in the oven a very cold-blooded winter , because they are more tender than adults .
5:Move Potted Lavender Indoors to Shelter the Shrubs
For container - grown lavender , particularly smaller varieties such asLavandula stoechas , move them indoors or to a hopeful , warmer yet cool space — like a cold glasshouse or conservatoire — is the optimum way to safeguard them .
Maintain a temperature range of45oand 65oF ( or 7oto 18oC)throughout twenty-four hour period and nighttime . While keeping your lavender adequately hydrated is important , cut back importantly on lacrimation ; it ’s safe to water again once the stain has completely dry out .
reckon on the mood and on the form , even one of those footling and cheap plastic greenhouses you may corrupt flat wad in most garden centers and online will be fine .
However , for potted lavender plants , you require to be more heedful . I would unquestionably winterize them in a sheltered place even within their hardiness zones . call up , the cold can be sneaky and imbue through the stool walls , make it much chillier than it is in the priming .
For example :
When To Stop Winterizing Your Lavender
Of course , you willuncover your shrubs(if you have covered them ) ormove potted plants outdoorsonce winter is over , but to be safe , I suggest youmake sure that temperatures are steady above 0oC ( or 32oF ) .
For all the rest , you do n’t need to do anything at all , leave the mulch , while maybe you want toimprove grease drainage again in bounce , because wet winters can pull aside sand , especially if you get strong and torrential rains .
And finally …
What Not To Do To Winterize Lavender Shrubs
Once you have winterized your lavender shrubs , you could basically leave them alone , but there are two things to forefend :
And this is all you need to check that that your lavender shrub survive cold , soused and harsh winters , and come back unassailable and pack with fragrant bloom next year !
So , winterize lavender to protect them from the harsh days of winter is a long process , that starts months ahead in some suit , and at least 6 workweek forrader even if your soil is very well drained . But if you are a bit recently , do n’t worry , act as fast as you’re able to , and your bush should be safe enough to come back hard and healthy next class !
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Amber Noyes was born and recruit in a suburban California town , San Mateo . She holds a master ’s degree in horticulture from the University of California as well as a BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience work out on an constitutional farm , water preservation enquiry , farmer ’ markets , and plant greenhouse , she realize what make up plants thrive and how we can well understand the connection between microclimate and plant wellness . When she ’s not on the land , Amber loves inform people of Modern ideas / things related to gardening , especially organic gardening , houseplants , and growing industrial plant in a small space .
