Wisconsin's cold winters (USDA Hardiness Zones typically 3b to 5b) are a significant factor when choosing lavender, as many varieties won't survive. To get the strongest scent, you need a variety that is both highly fragrant and reliably cold-hardy for your specific part of Wisconsin.
Generally, the strongest smelling lavenders fall into two categories: Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia) and English Lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia). In Wisconsin, you'll primarily be focused on English Lavenders and some specific, very hardy Lavandin hybrids.
Here are the best bets for strong-smelling lavender that can survive and thrive in Wisconsin:
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Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia) - For a Strong, Camphorous Scent: Lavandins are typically the powerhouse scent producers, often having a more pronounced camphorous (herbaceous, slightly medicinal) fragrance that many associate with classic lavender products. While some lavandins are hardy to Zone 5, it's crucial to pick the most reliable ones for Wisconsin's colder pockets.
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'Phenomenal': This is a standout lavandin for colder climates. It's renowned for its excellent cold hardiness (often thriving down to Zone 4), as well as its strong fragrance. Its robust nature makes it a great choice for Wisconsin.
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'Grosso': A very popular lavandin known for its exceptionally strong, bold, and camphorous fragrance with a high oil content. It's often listed as hardy to Zone 5, but with proper winterization (as discussed in previous responses), it can often succeed in Zone 4 areas of Wisconsin, especially with good snow cover.
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'Provence': Another highly fragrant lavandin. While some sources list it as Zone 5-8, successful cultivation in Wisconsin would likely require optimal conditions and winter protection.
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English Lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) - For a Strong, Sweet, Floral Scent: English lavenders have a sweeter, less camphorous, and more purely floral "true lavender" aroma. Many varieties are reliably hardy in Wisconsin, and when planted in groups, their combined scent can be very powerful.
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'Munstead': This is consistently cited as one of the most cold-hardy English lavenders, often surviving down to Zone 3 with good snow cover. It produces a strong, sweet fragrance and is a very reliable bloomer. Its compact size makes it versatile.
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'Hidcote': Another excellent, very cold-hardy English lavender (Zone 4-5). It boasts a rich, sweet, and strong fragrance with dark purple flowers. It's very popular and generally performs well in colder climates.
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'Royal Velvet': This English lavender offers a strong, sweet scent with deep purple flowers. It's cold-hardy (Zone 5-9) and well-regarded for both its beauty and aroma, often performing well in areas of Wisconsin.
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Recommendation for Wisconsin:
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If you want the absolute strongest, most robust (and likely camphorous) scent and are willing to provide careful winter protection (excellent drainage, good mulching, maybe wind protection), 'Phenomenal' is your best bet for a lavandin that reliably handles Wisconsin winters. 'Grosso' is a close second if you have good conditions.
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If you prefer a strong, sweeter, more traditionally floral lavender scent and desire the highest reliability in colder parts of Wisconsin, 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote' English lavenders are the top choices. They are proven performers in these zones.
Remember, regardless of the variety, proper drainage is the most critical factor for lavender survival in Wisconsin's winters, followed by appropriate fall pruning and mulching. Without these, even the hardiest and most fragrant varieties may struggle.