There are several pink lavender varieties that can be grown successfully outdoors in cold climates.
The key to growing lavender in colder regions (generally USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and lower) is to select English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) cultivars. These are known for being the most cold-hardy types of lavender. While many English lavenders are purple, there are specific pink-flowered varieties that share this cold tolerance.
Here are some pink English lavender varieties known for their cold hardiness:
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'Hidcote Pink': This is one of the most well-known and reliable pink English lavenders. It's hardy down to USDA Zone 5 (and sometimes even Zone 4 with good protection) and produces lovely soft pink flowers.
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'Miss Katherine': Another excellent English lavender cultivar that offers beautiful light pink blooms and good cold hardiness (generally Zone 5).
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'Rosea': This is a dependable pink English lavender cultivar that also performs well in colder climates (Zone 5-9).
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'Ellagance Pink': Part of a series bred for good garden performance, 'Ellagance Pink' is a compact variety with fragrant light pink blooms and is hardy to Zone 5.
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'Jean Davis': Known for its very pale pink to almost white flowers, 'Jean Davis' is an English lavender variety that can tolerate colder conditions.
Important considerations for growing pink lavender in cold climates:
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Choose the Right Variety: Always look for Lavandula angustifolia cultivars specifically labeled as cold-hardy for your USDA Zone. Spanish lavenders (Lavandula stoechas), while some have beautiful pink flowers, are generally less cold-tolerant (often hardy only to Zone 7 or 6 at best) and typically won't survive harsh winters outdoors in very cold climates.
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Excellent Drainage: This is perhaps the most crucial factor for lavender survival in cold climates. Wet, soggy soil in winter is a death sentence. Ensure your planting site has superb drainage; consider raised beds or amending heavy clay soils with plenty of grit, sand, or gravel.
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Full Sun: Lavender needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, even in colder regions.
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Good Air Circulation: Helps prevent fungal diseases, especially during periods of snow melt or spring rains.
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Winter Protection (for Zones 5 and below):
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Mulch: A layer of well-draining mulch (like gravel or small stones, not wood chips which can retain too much moisture) around the base of the plant can help insulate the roots.
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Snow Cover: A consistent blanket of snow acts as excellent insulation.
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Sheltered Location: Planting near a south-facing wall or in a spot protected from harsh winter winds can provide a beneficial microclimate.
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