Lavender originated in the sunny, hot and dry Mediterranean which means it can be difficult to keep it alive over our colder Canadian winter months. Our farm in the Okanagan is in growing zone 5b and even we have years where we experience loss, so gardeners in cooler growing zones will have a much tougher time.
Can I leave lavender in the ground over winter?
English lavender is hardy in Zones 5 and warmer, usually overwintering in the ground outside just fine without any added protection. In an open winter with no snow cover, we may pile a thin layer (1 to 2 inches) of straw or shredded leaves over them for added cover.
Does lavender survive winter in Ontario?
Lavender grows in zone 5, which is common in parts of Ontario. It can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -16 degrees C but this number would be affected by the amount of snow cover, wind and moisture in the soil. Lavender thrives best in full sun.
Is lavender a perennial in Canada?
Hardy noninvasive perennials, lavenders suit both informal and formal gardens. Mature lavenders form dense mounds of foliage, ranging from grey to green and from 30 to 60 centimetres tall – beautiful even when they’re not blooming.
What temperature is too cold for lavender?
English lavender gets its name not from its origin, but from its popularity with English royalty. It is hardy in zones 5 and warmer which translates to being able to withstand temperatures down to -20°F (you can find your location’s hardiness zone here).
How do you winterize lavender in Canada?
If your plant will be inside for the winter, keep it in a cool, non-freezing location with sunlight and air circulation. Slow down watering of plants. Lavender prefers a dry soil, and the amount of rain that naturally falls will be sufficient for the plant.
Can lavender plants survive snow?
English lavenders are perennial plants (as are all lavenders) that are capable of tolerating frost, snow and temperatures as low as -10 C, whereas French (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavenders (Lavandula stoechas) are generally not cold hardy and will not survive winter in pots in cold climates.
Will lavender come back after a freeze?
Key Takeaways: Lavender does come back after Winter if they are planted in the appropriate climate. French and Spanish lavenders are not cold hardy and may not come back after a cold Winter with freezing temperatures whereas English lavender can tolerate cold climates and grow again in the Spring.
Does lavender come back every year Ontario?
If you have lavender plants that are hardy in your growing zone (see our Lavender 101 post for more information on this), it is likely that they will return year after year for a decade or two. But even the toughest perennials may still look quite grisly after their long winter dormancy.
Does lavender grow back every year in Ontario?
Growing lavender is a challenge – do not expect a perfect lavender field and high yield every year.
How do you take care of lavender in the winter?
How to Care for Lavenders Successfully Through Winter
- Lavenders need dry roots.
- Reduce the frequency of watering lavenders in winter.
- English Lavenders are cold hardy and can be left outside over winter.
- Prepare your lavender for winter by pruning them into a mound shape that resists winter weather and tidy away leaves.
How many years will lavender come back?
Lavender is a Low-Maintenance Perennial
And this beauty will come back to your garden every year, for about 3-5 years, so it’s a great investment. What is this? Before you make any plant purchases, however, I want to remind you to always choose plants that thrive in your plant hardiness zone.
Should lavender be cut back every year?
An annual pruning is an important step for long-lasting lavender (Lavandula spp. and hybrids) plants. Without it they grow a large, lanky, woody base that can split open — it looks bad and shortens the plant’s lifespan.
Should lavender be protected from frost?
To help lavender survive: Move containers to a sheltered spot over winter, so they aren’t exposed to really harsh weather. Give them some protection from winter rain by standing them in the lee of a wall (at the base) or in a coldframe or greenhouse.
Does lavender grow well in Canada?
Lavender grows best in dry, arid environments, and does not need fertilizer or strong soil to grow. In Ontario it can get humid so there are some Lavender varieties that are a hybrid and bloom best in the Ontario climate.
How do you bring lavender back to life after winter?
What is this? The only way to revive lavender that has been in the shade is to transfer it to a pot and place it in the sun as quickly as possible. Lavenders require sun all year round, including during the winter dormancy so plant the lavender in a nice open space that is not under a tree canopy or any other shade.
How do I know if my lavender survived the winter?
If the stems snap easily, they are dead. Test the entire plant to get a sense of what sections are dead, and which still have life. From Farmer Rick: “Remember to look at the inside of the wood you cut – if you see any green, there is life, and hope for the plant.”
Why is my lavender turning GREY?
Lavender can turn gray because of frost damage or as a result of a fungal disease, caused by over watering or slow draining soils. Usually the fungus botrytis spp is responsible for lavender leaves turning gray although there are a few pathogens that may cause lavenders to turn gray.
Can lavender survive Alberta winter?
First off, if you are wondering “Can I grow lavender in my garden even though our temperature often gets below zero during the winter?” the answer is “Yes!”—although it will require a little extra attention and care on your part.
How do I save my lavender plant for the winter?
If you don’t get a good reliable snow cover, cover your plant bases with a well draining mulch, such as pea gravel, and/or cover the plant itself with a breathable fabric cover (like burlap or gardening blanket fabric), to protect from wind and freezing temperatures.
How do you take care of lavender outside in the winter?
Being that Lavender is an evergreen shrub, these plants are susceptible to winter burn and have a hard time fighting the natural winter elements. A white breathable landscape fabric or white bucket with a hole on top is ideal as it allows the plant to go dormant.