Identifying different lavender varieties in cold climates primarily involves focusing on their cold hardiness and observing the specific characteristics of those types that can survive and thrive through harsh winters. In colder regions, the range of lavender varieties that can successfully grow outdoors is significantly narrower than in more temperate or warm climates.
Here's how to identify different lavender varieties that are typically found and grown in cold climates:
1. Focus on the Most Cold-Hardy Species/Hybrids: In cold climates (generally USDA Zones 4-6, sometimes 3 with heavy protection), the vast majority of successfully grown lavender will belong to either English Lavender or certain hardy Lavandin hybrids. Other species, like Spanish or French lavender, are typically not cold-hardy enough to survive outdoor winters in these regions.
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English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
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Cold Hardiness: This is the most cold-hardy species of lavender, making it the dominant type found in colder climates. Many cultivars can reliably survive down to USDA Zone 5, and some even to Zone 4 with proper siting and winter protection.
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Foliage: Leaves are narrow, relatively long (around 2-3 inches), and have smooth, untoothed edges. They are usually grayish-green, sometimes with a silvery cast, and form a dense, compact mound. They often remain evergreen, even under snow, though they may look a bit dull in winter.
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Flowers: Flower spikes are typically short and plump, appearing on relatively short stems that rise just above the foliage. The individual florets are densely packed on the spike. Key identification: there are no large, prominent, petal-like "bunny ear" bracts on top of the flower head. Colors range from deep violet to blue-purple, pink, and white.
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Fragrance: Known for its sweet, delicate, purely floral, and subtle herbaceous aroma. This is the classic, gentle "true lavender" scent, with very low or no strong camphor notes.
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Growth Habit: Forms a neat, compact, mounding shrub, typically 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall and wide.
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Bloom Time: Generally blooms in late spring to early summer, often with a smaller second flush later in the season if deadheaded.
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Common Cold-Hardy Cultivars:
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'Munstead': A very popular and reliable choice in cold climates.
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'Hidcote': Another excellent, very cold-hardy English lavender.
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'Phenomenal': This is particularly notable for its exceptional cold hardiness (down to Zone 4), along with improved tolerance to heat and humidity, making it a robust choice for a broader range of cold regions. It grows larger than 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote'.
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'Lavender Lady': Known for its cold hardiness and ability to bloom in its first year from seed.
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Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia):
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Cold Hardiness: While generally slightly less hardy than the most robust English lavenders, many lavandin cultivars are still quite cold-hardy and can thrive down to USDA Zone 5, sometimes even Zone 4 if conditions are favorable and they receive winter protection. Their larger size and vigor can sometimes make them appear more resilient.
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Foliage: Leaves are generally broader and grayer than English lavender, and can sometimes have a slightly toothed or serrated edge, though less pronounced than French lavender.
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Flowers: A key identifier for lavandins is their flower spikes. They are long, slender, and borne on very long, sturdy stems that rise significantly above the foliage. The individual florets are usually more spaced out along the stem compared to English lavender. No prominent "bunny ear" bracts.
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Fragrance: Possesses a stronger, more pungent, often camphoraceous or herbaceous scent, a blend between the sweet notes of English lavender and the sharper notes of spike lavender.
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Growth Habit: These are much larger plants, forming substantial, robust mounds, typically 2.5 to 4 feet tall and wide (or more). They create a significant presence in the landscape.
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Bloom Time: Usually blooms later than English lavender, typically from mid-summer into late summer, providing valuable late-season color.
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Common Cold-Hardy Cultivars:
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'Grosso': This robust lavandin can be grown in Zone 5, especially with good drainage and some winter mulch.
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'Dutch': Known for its good hardiness and large size.
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2. What You're Unlikely to See Outdoors in Cold Climates (and Why):
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Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): These are generally too tender for cold winters (typically hardy only to Zone 7-10). If you see them, they are likely being grown as annuals, overwintered indoors, or in areas with very mild microclimates. Their distinctive "bunny ear" flowers are a clear identifier if present.
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French Lavender (Lavandula dentata): Also generally too tender for sustained cold (typically hardy only to Zone 8-10). Like Spanish lavender, if found, they are either annuals or brought indoors for winter. Their toothed leaves are a key identifier.
3. Practical Identification Steps in Cold Climates:
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Scent Test: Gently rub a leaf or a flower spike. In cold climates, you will almost exclusively encounter lavenders with either the sweet, classic English lavender scent (low camphor) or the more pungent, camphoraceous lavandin scent (higher camphor).
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Examine the Flowers:
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Are there large "bunny ear" bracts? If yes, it's Spanish lavender, and it's either an annual or in a uniquely sheltered spot.
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Are the flower spikes short and dense on short stems? Very likely English lavender.
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Are the flower spikes long and slender on long, robust stems? Very likely a Lavandin.
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Look at the Foliage: Check if the leaf edges are smooth (English or Lavandin) or toothed (French – highly unlikely outdoors in sustained cold). Observe the color and density of the foliage.
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Assess Overall Size and Growth Habit: Small, neat mounds are typical for English lavender. Large, robust mounds point to Lavandins.
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Consider Survival: If a lavender plant has consistently survived multiple winters in a cold region, it is almost certainly a cold-hardy English lavender or a robust lavandin.
By understanding the cold hardiness limitations and focusing on the specific traits of English lavenders and hardy lavandins, you can effectively identify the different lavender varieties thriving in cold climates.