Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), also known as French lavender or fringed lavender, is a fast-growing Mediterranean native that thrives in full sun and is hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 11. As long as you provide the plant with typical Mediterranean conditions—hot, dry and sunny—it will be happy.
Because of its Mediterranean origins, Spanish lavender doesn’t tolerate winter moisture. To do well, this plant needs full sun and well-drained soil, as waterlogged, heavy soil will cause the roots to rot.
Additionally, Spanish lavender benefits from neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Pruning, however, is not necessary as Spanish lavender is naturally an upright, symmetrical rounded shrub.
How cold tolerant is Spanish lavender?
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is fairly cold tolerant and can withstand temperatures down to 15°F (-9.4°C). It is an evergreen perennial, native to the Mediterranean region, that is hardier and more resistant to cold winter temperatures than some other lavender varieties.
Although Spanish lavender can take some frost, it is best grown in warm climates with mild winters, so in colder areas it is best grown in containers and kept outside for the summer and then brought indoors for the winter.
If temperatures do dip below 15°F (-9.4°C), Spanish lavender is likely to suffer some damage, so it is important to ensure sufficient protection against frosts in colder climates. Choose sheltered sites with good drainage where possible and mulch the plant to protect the roots when temperatures start to dip.
When can I plant lavender in Zone 6?
The best time to plant lavender (Lavandula spp. ) in Zone 6 is right around the late winter or early spring (late February to early April). Lavender has a relatively short growing season and does not tolerate extremely cold temperatures well, so it is important to wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.
It is also important to keep an eye on the weather and make sure the soil temperature will remain above 40 degrees F throughout the season.
You should select a site for your lavender plants that is sunny and well-drained. Lavender does not tolerate wet conditions and can develop root rot if too much water is present. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter and make sure to water the plants deeply and consistently throughout the season.
Lavender typically needs to be mulched when planted in colder climates, as this helps to insulate the roots and conserve moisture.
Overall, while there is some preparatory work to do, with proper care and conditions you should have a successful lavender planting experience in Zone 6.
Can Spanish lavender survive winter?
Yes, Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a winter-hardy plant that can survive moderately cold winters with some protection. It’s suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. Spanish lavender can tolerate temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 °C), but it needs to be protected from extended freezing temperatures such as those that occur in zone 6 and below.
It’s important to provide adequate protection such as mulch or insulation and to choose an area with adequate sunlight exposure. Additionally, Spanish lavender requires well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.
5 to thrive. Although it is drought-tolerant, it will require supplemental water during extended periods of drought. While it is possible for Spanish lavender to survive winter, it is important to provide it with adequate protection and resources for the best results.
How do you overwinter lavender in Zone 6?
In order to overwinter lavender in Zone 6, there are several steps you can take to ensure its health and wellness. Firstly, lavender should be grown in an area that receives full sun and well-drained soil.
This will help to protect it from the cold winds and frosts that can occur during the winter months. It is also important to trim back the foliage of the lavender in late summer or early autumn to encourage its dormancy.
This will help it to develop a strong root system to help it survive the winter.
It is also crucial to mulch the lavender with a few inches of compost or straw to help insulate it during the winter. This helps to protect the soil and roots underneath from freezing temperatures. When severe cold temperatures are expected, you can cover the lavender with a lightweight fabric such as burlap or old sheets to provide additional protection.
During the winter months, it’s important to keep the lavender watered, as dry soil can increase the risk of damage to the plant. Water it deeply, but infrequently and make sure to check that the soil is not frozen.
Following these steps will help to ensure the health of your lavender over the winter in Zone 6.
Is lavender a perennial in Zone 6?
Yes, lavender is a perennial in Zone 6. Lavender is hardy to USDA Zones 5-9 and will stay evergreen in Zones 6 and higher. In Zone 6, it will survive winters but will not flower until late the following spring.
Plant lavender in well-drained soil and give it at least six hours of sunlight per day to allow for optimal growth. Additionally, lavenders should be trimmed back to about a third of their height after flowering each year and mulch around them in the winter protect from harsh temperatures and dryness.
With proper care and adequate sunlight, lavender can live for many years in Zone 6.
Does Spanish lavender come back every year?
Yes, Spanish lavender typically comes back every year, depending on the climate conditions in your region. Spanish lavender is a perennial herb and it prefers warm, dry conditions. It can survive cold temperatures, but if the winter is too harsh, the plants may suffer die-back.
In mild winter climates, like USDA hardiness zones 8-10, the lavender plants may survive and come back in the spring. To ensure that your Spanish lavender returns season after season, it’s important to practice proper maintenance and care.
Be sure to water the plants to keep the soil consistently moist, unless there is frequent rain in your region, and prune the plants in spring and in autumn to encourage branching and promote healthy growth.
Additionally, keep the plants mulched with a layer of organic material throughout the season. With the proper care and attention, your Spanish lavender is sure to come back every year.
Should I bring my potted lavender inside for the winter?
Generally, it is best to bring your potted lavender indoors for the winter. Lavender does not do well in cold temperatures and if you live in a colder climate, it is likely that the temperature will dip too low for your lavender to thrive.
Even if it does survive, it probably won’t bloom in the spring and may have a weak showing. By bringing your potted lavender inside, you can save it from the cold weather and ensure that it is still in good shape come spring.
When bringing it inside, make sure you pick a spot that will get enough natural light and also has good air circulation. Your lavender should also be placed away from any sources of heat to keep it from drying out and becoming too warm.
Finally, provide adequate water as needed, but don’t over water, as you don’t want your potted lavender to become too saturated.
Does lavender grow back after winter?
Yes, lavender can and will grow back after winter. After being exposed to the cold and snow of winter, the plants may look a bit bedraggled, but with proper care and pruning, they should recover and regrow quickly in time for the spring and summer blooms.
If a lavender plant has been severely damaged by cold temperatures, it is sometimes best to replace it with a new one.
When getting the plant ready for winter, it is best to cut it back to the ground. About one to two weeks before a hard frost is expected, cut back the lavender stalks to just an inch or two above the ground.
This must be done if the plants have not already been cut back after the summer bloom.
Make sure that the plant is well fertilized and watered before winter hits. During the cold months, lavender must be watered regularly. It should dry out between waterings and there should be no standing water near the plant.
Lavender plant pruning is necessary to ensure that the plant blooms most abundantly for spring and summer. When new growth appears in early spring, prune the lavender stalks again to remove dead or damaged stems and help promote air circulation for the plant.
This will help to encourage thicker, lush new growth. After pruning, add a fresh layer of mulch to help insulate the roots during the rest of the winter.
With the proper care and preparation, lavender can come through winter and bloom strongly the following spring.
Is my Spanish lavender dead?
It’s hard to say definitively whether your Spanish lavender is dead or not without seeing it and evaluating the overall health, but there are a few things you can check to get a better idea. First, take a look at the leaves and stems.
If they are dry and crisp, it’s possible the plant has died. Additionally, you can check the soil to see if it feels dry — if it has been consistently underwatered, that would be a sign of trouble. You may also want to check the root system to see if there is any new growth.
If the roots are still alive and growing, then there is hope for the plant. Lastly, see if there are any signs of new growth on the stems; if you do see signs, then there is a good chance the plant is still alive.
What is the difference between lavender and Spanish lavender?
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a fragrant flowering perennial shrub, most often found in the Mediterranean region, that has long been used for its soothing effects and pleasant scent. Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a different species of lavender, with a more intense scent and a higher concentration of essential oils.
This species is native to Spain, hence its name, and is taller and has a more cone-shaped flower than the typical lavender. The Spanish lavender is also more tolerant towards heat, humidity and salt, meaning it can be grown in areas which normal lavender typically cannot survive.
The essential oils present in Spanish lavender are also used as herbal remedies and perfumery components, lending its fragrant properties to many products from soaps to insect repellants.
When should I prune Spanish lavender?
Pruning Spanish lavender is best done during its dormant period in late winter or early spring when the new growth is just beginning to emerge. This is often done to promote denser plant growth, encourage blossoming, and keep a tidy and uniform shape.
This flowering perennial can also be lightly pruned throughout the summer and autumn to maintain a desirable form and remove any dead branches. Pruning too hard, too often, or at the wrong time can result in fewer flowers, so it is important to wait until the dormant season before pruning aggressively.
Why is my Spanish lavender turning brown?
Which is unfortunately quite common. Some of the most common causes include not enough or too much water, poor soil drainage or too much fertilizer, excessive heat and sunshine, or pest or disease infestation.
The most likely cause of your Spanish lavender turning brown is likely lack of adequate water. When lavender is not watered properly, it can suffer from dehydration, which causes the leaves to turn brown and die.
It is important to determine the right amount of water for your specific Spanish lavender plants and make sure you keep them watered.
Another possible cause is poor soil drainage, which can cause the roots of the lavender to be waterlogged and rot. Make sure the soil in your garden has proper drainage to prevent this issue. Over-fertilization is another possible cause; too much fertilizer can burn the plants and make their leaves turn brown.
If this is the case, reduce the fertilization rate or stop fertilizing altogether.
Excessive heat and sunshine can also cause your Spanish lavender to turn brown. To prevent this, be sure to plant your lavender in an area that gets plenty of light but has some shade from the sun during the hottest periods of day.
Lastly, pests or disease infestations can also cause your Spanish lavender to turn brown. Common culprits for lavender include root-knot nematodes, aphids, and gray mold fungus. If you suspect any of these problems, be sure to check your plants’ leaves and soil for signs of infestation.
Treat with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide and monitor your plants carefully.
What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
If you don’t prune lavender, it can become overgrown and the stems of the plant may become woody. This can lead to a decline in flower production and may also reduce the health of the lavender plant in general.
Additionally, if lavender isn’t pruned regularly, it can become unattractive, leading to increased pests and fungal problems that can further damage the plant. Pruning lavender also helps to promote new healthy growth, encouraging more flowering and a greater harvest of lavender essential oil.
Therefore, regularly pruning lavender is an important part of proper care of the plant and can help ensure its long-term health.
When should lavender be pruned?
Lavender should be pruned in the early spring or late summer, just before they begin to form flower buds. Pruning should be done sparingly, taking off no more than a third of the top growth. In colder climates, the lavender may not require pruning; however, pruning in late summer will help to promote a more compact, neat plant and can also encourage more blooms.
Removing dead or weak branches will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease and pest problems. In addition, when pruning lavender, be sure to use sterilized tools and avoid damaging the leaves and flowers.