Growing lavender in Zone 4 can be a bit tough due to the cold temperatures, but with the right preparation, it can be done! The best place to plant lavender is an area that gets lots of sun throughout the day, as they require at least six hours of full sun each day.
The soil should also be well-draining, as lavender does not do well in soggy conditions. You’ll need to add compost to the soil for additional nutrients, and if the soil lacks calcium, you may have to add a bit of lime as well.
When you’re ready for planting, keep in mind that lavender does not like to have its roots disturbed, and so should be planted in containers that are large enough to house the plant. Consider using grow bags with plenty of drainage holes, andd mix some sand into the soil to improve drainage.
English lavenders should be planted in the spring, after all risk of frost is gone.
Once the lavender is planted, be sure to mulch around them to help keep the soil temperature regulated and to protect the roots in case of a surprise late frost. During the first year, be sure to water the plants regularly, especially during dry times.
Lavender plants are also susceptible to root frost, so winterizing steps may also be necessary.
For winterizing lavender, start by cutting the stems back by half. Then, cover the plant in burlap or dry leaves to add extra insulation to the soil and roots. Mulch the plant with compost and hay to help insulate the soil more.
Finally, add an extra layer of burlap over the top of the plant to protect it from rain and snowfall during the colder months.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow English lavender in Zone 4.
How cold hardy is English lavender?
English lavender is actually quite cold hardy. It can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F when established in the ground. If the winter temperatures in your area dip below that, you can still grow English lavender in containers and bring them inside during very cold spells.
As long as the roots are kept at a consistent temperature of around 40-45°F, English lavender will survive and bloom for many years.
Can English lavender survive winter?
Yes, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a hardy shrub that can survive winter in a variety of climates, given the right conditions. It is evergreen, so its foliage will remain green all year round in milder climates, though the flowers will die back in cooler temperatures.
In regions with cold winters it will likely die back each winter and then regrow from its root system in the spring. To help ensure a successful winter for your English lavender, it should be planted in full sunlight and an area that drains well.
Mulch should be applied to the roots in late fall to help insulate and protect the plant from the cold winter temperatures. Additionally, the plant should be watered regularly and pruned after flowering to keep it in good health.
With proper care and protection your English lavender should be able to successfully survive winter.
Which lavender is the hardiest?
The Munstead variety of lavender is considered to be the hardiest lavender available. It is an English lavender that was bred by Gertrude Jekyll in 1917 and is a native to England. It is known for its deep purple blooms and dense foliage which makes it an ideal choice for gardeners in cold climates.
Additionally, the Munstead lavender is known for its strong fragrance and is often used in sachets and bouquets to impart its unique scent. It can tolerate temperatures down to USDA Zone 4, making it one of the hardiest lavenders available.
This variety of lavender is ideal for a variety of landscape and garden designs and is a wonderful choice for gardeners looking for an easy way to add fragrance, colour, and texture to their gardens.
Does English lavender come back every year?
Yes, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) typically comes back every year. It’s a hardy perennial evergreen shrub that originates from the Mediterranean region. English lavender is a low maintenance, drought tolerant plant that can survive temperatures of up to -20°C.
It prefers to grow in a sunny spot in well-drained soil with a low pH (6-7). It can spread by rhizomes and stolons, so its clumps can become quite large over time. With proper care, English lavender will come back every year and is relatively pest-free.
It can be pruned and will flower for two months in the summer. If you live in a region with mild winters, it can sometimes flower in the fall as well.
Should I bring my potted lavender inside for the winter?
If you live in an area with cold winters where the temperature drops below freezing, it is best to bring your potted lavender indoors for the winter months. Lavender is a hardy perennial, but its roots cannot tolerate temperatures below 30°F.
Depending on the size of your pot, you can either bring the entire pot indoors and leave it on a sunny windowsill, or carefully repot it into a larger pot that will fit indoors, which will also help protect the roots.
Do not overwater your lavender while it is indoors — lavender likes dry, sunny climates and can easily rot if it is standing in too much moisture. Plant your lavender in a potting mix that provides good drainage, and water regularly only when the soil is dry at least one inch down.
Once spring arrives, you can move your lavender outdoors and place it in a sunny spot — just make sure to take a few days to slowly acclimate it to outdoor temperatures.
Does lavender look dead in winter?
No, lavender does not look dead in winter. In fact, the winter can be a great time to enjoy the beauty of lavender plants. In the winter, lavender plants tend to go dormant, with the leaves and stems turning brown, while the flowers and buds remain intact.
Although these plants may not look as vibrant and colorful as they do during the summer months, they are still alive and will re-sprout during the warmer months. Furthermore, some types of lavender may even produce new flowers during the winter months.
A cool-season lavender variety called ‘Folgate’ may put out fresh blossoms during colder temperatures, which can add a splash of color to the garden.
Do I need to protect lavender from frost?
Yes, it is important to protect lavender from frost. Lavender is a Mediterranean plant and is not adapted to cold temperatures. Frost can damage the soft leaves and buds of the lavender plant. To protect your lavender from frost, it is best to find a location that is sheltered such as a sunny wall or container that can be moved if necessary.
You can also cover the plant with a frost cloth during cold nights. Additionally, it is important to water your lavender plants and make sure they are getting enough sun. Providing a thick mulch layer around the plant may also help to keep it warmer during cold winter nights.
Is French or English lavender better?
It is difficult to determine which type of lavender is better as it largely depends on what the specific needs and preferences of the individual are. French lavender is known for its strong floral aroma and is typically used in cooking and essential oil production.
Its intense aroma is sometimes preferred by those who use lavender for its scent and its culinary uses. English lavender is known for its milder, more subtle scent and is often used in gardens, tea and crafts.
Its milder scent may be more pleasurable to some people and makes it a better choice for those who want to enjoy the fragrance of lavender. Additionally, English lavender is known to be hardier and better suited to regions with harsher winters and weather than French lavender.
Ultimately, this choice largely comes down to the individual’s personal needs and preferences.
Does potted lavender come back?
Yes, potted lavender can come back! Lavender is a perennial, which means that it will return year after year as long as it is planted in an area that its roots can thrive. Lavender prefers well-draining soil, full sun, and a bit of airspace around the plants to avoid overcrowding.
If the lavender is planted in the right conditions, it should come back each year, reaching its peak in late spring and early summer. Also, lavender is able to easily winterize by simply trimming it down before the cold winter months.
If taken care of properly, potted lavender will come back same time every year.
Can you keep a lavender plant indoors?
Yes, you can keep a lavender plant indoors. Lavenders are well-suited for both indoor and outdoor gardens, but if you plan to keep your lavender indoors, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to give your lavender the best possible care.
Lavender plants thrive in bright, sunny locations with full sun exposure of about 6-8 hours a day. If you can’t provide your plant with the amount of natural light it needs, you can supplement the light with a specialized grow light.
The grow light should be placed a few feet away from the plant and on for 12 to 14 hours a day. Temperature is also important for lavender, as it prefers cool, slightly chilly climates. A temperature range of 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, with humidity levels below 40%.
Keep the lavender soil lightly moist, but never soggy. Overly wet soil can cause root rot. If you’re growing your lavender indoors, you should allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lastly, be sure to pick the right potting soil. Lavender prefers a well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. You should also supplement the soil with a slow-release fertilizer to provide the lavender with the extra nutrients it needs.
With the right environment, your indoor lavender can thrive for a long time.
Is English lavender evergreen in Zone 7?
No, English lavender is not an evergreen in Zone 7. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is classed as a perennial, and typically it will only remain evergreen in zones 8-10. In Zone 7, English lavender is typically deciduous and loses its leaves during the winter months.
It will return in the spring with new growth. In cooler climates, the best way to ensure that your lavender remains healthy is to winterize it. This involves cutting the plant back during the winter season to remove any dead or diseased growth, mulching around the base of the plant, and protecting it with horticultural fleece if temperatures drop below freezing.
Can you leave lavender outside in winter?
Yes, you can leave lavender outside in winter. Lavender is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that is known for its ability to withstand cooler temperatures and survive through winter with very little extra care.
The best way to protect your lavender plants in winter is to provide them with good drainage and water them before the winter season. Mulch or ground cover can also be used to insulate the roots of the plants, particularly in areas with colder winters and frequent snowfall.
Be sure to remove any debris or dead foliage from the lavender plants before winter to ensure they stay healthy and vigorous throughout the colder season. For added protection from severe winter weather, provide the lavender plants with some shelter from strong winds and other extreme weather conditions.
Lavender is a resilient plant, so it should come through winter no worse for wear if you give it some extra protection.