While lavender is often associated with sun-drenched, Mediterranean climates, many varieties are surprisingly cold-hardy and can thrive in regions with harsh winters, even as low as USDA Hardiness Zones 3 or 4. For gardeners in these colder climates, choosing the right variety and providing proper care are crucial for success.
The best lavender varieties for cold climates primarily belong to the English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) species and some specific Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) hybrids. These types are known for their resilience and ability to withstand freezing temperatures.
Here are some of the top cold-hardy lavender varieties:
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Cultivars: Despite their name, English lavenders are native to the Mediterranean but are among the most cold-tolerant types. They are highly prized for their strong, sweet fragrance and are excellent for culinary use and essential oil production.
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'Munstead': This is arguably the most popular and reliable cold-hardy lavender. 'Munstead' is known to thrive in USDA Zones 4-9, and with good snow cover or winter protection, it can even survive in Zone 3. It's a compact variety, typically growing 12-18 inches tall, with lovely lavender-blue flowers. Its robust nature makes it a fantastic choice for beginners in colder regions.
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'Hidcote': Another classic and very cold-hardy English lavender, 'Hidcote' is hardy in Zones 4-9. It features deeper purple flowers and a slightly more compact habit than 'Munstead', typically reaching about 12-24 inches tall. 'Hidcote' is also highly fragrant and maintains a good shape, making it excellent for edging or low hedges.
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'Vera': An heirloom variety, 'Vera' is known for its extreme cold hardiness, often down to Zone 5a, and reliable performance. It's a larger English lavender, producing abundant, sweetly scented flowers.
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'Royal Velvet': This variety is valued for its vibrant purple flowers on long stems, making it excellent for dried arrangements and bouquets. 'Royal Velvet' is hardy to Zone 5 and can tolerate lower temperatures with appropriate winter mulching.
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'SuperBlue': A relatively newer introduction, 'SuperBlue' is an English lavender hardy to Zone 4-9. It boasts deep violet-blue flowers and a compact, mounding habit, adapting well to both dryland gardening and somewhat wetter conditions (though good drainage is still paramount).
2. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) Hybrids: Lavandins are hybrids of English lavender (L. angustifolia) and spike lavender (L. latifolia). While generally known for being larger plants and more tolerant of heat and humidity, a few specific lavandins have also shown impressive cold hardiness.
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'Phenomenal': This lavandin hybrid lives up to its name. 'Phenomenal' is exceptionally cold-hardy (Zones 4-8) and stands out for its superior tolerance to both heat and humidity, which is rare for lavenders. It grows larger than English lavenders (2-3 feet tall and wide) with attractive silver foliage and long, lavender-blue flower spikes. It's an excellent "all-around" performer in a wide range of climates, including colder ones.
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'Grosso': While typically hardy to Zone 5-9, 'Grosso' is a very popular lavandin for its high essential oil content and long flower stems. In Zone 5, it generally performs well, especially with good snow cover.
Tips for Growing Lavender in Cold Climates:
Even with cold-hardy varieties, proper care is essential for survival in freezing conditions:
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Excellent Drainage: This cannot be stressed enough. Wet, soggy soil, especially during winter freezes and thaws, is the quickest way to kill lavender. Amend heavy clay soils with plenty of sand, gravel, or perlite. Consider raised beds or planting on a slight slope.
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Winter Mulch (with caution): Once the ground is frozen, a layer of dry, airy mulch (like straw or evergreen boughs, not wood chips or leaves that hold moisture) can help insulate the roots and prevent damaging freeze-thaw cycles. Remove it in early spring to prevent rot.
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Location: Plant lavender in a sunny, well-drained spot protected from harsh winter winds. A south-facing slope or near a building can offer beneficial microclimates.
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Avoid Late Pruning: Do not prune lavender late in the fall, as new growth stimulated by pruning can be easily damaged by early frosts. Prune in spring after the danger of hard freezes has passed and new growth appears.
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Established Plants: Young lavender plants are more vulnerable. Established plants with well-developed root systems are much more likely to survive cold winters.
By selecting the right cold-hardy varieties and diligently providing the necessary conditions, gardeners in northern climates can successfully enjoy the beauty and fragrance of lavender in their landscapes.