Hardy lavender: These varieties survive the winter

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Lavender is associated with warm temperatures, but there are some hardy species and varieties that can survive our winters. We introduce you.

Lavender blooming in the snow
Lavender originally comes from the Mediterranean region, but some varieties also survive our winter [Photo: Maria Uspenskaya / Shutterstock.com]

The genus lavender (Lavendula) belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and includes around 30 different species. Of the Real lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and the Speiklavender (Lavendula latifolia) are of the greatest economic importance. Lavender originally comes from the Mediterranean region, which is why under our climatic conditions not all varieties are winter hardy and should be brought indoors in the cold months at the latest have to. In order to circumvent this measure, in this article we present some varieties that you can easily overwinter outdoors under optimal conditions.

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  • Hardy real lavender varieties
  • Winter hardy spear lavender varieties
  • Hibernate hardy lavender

The real lavender is one of the most robust types of lavender. In its original homeland, it can also be found at higher altitudes and can withstand temperatures down to -15 ° C for a short time. The spear lavender, on the other hand, is much more sensitive to cold temperatures and already has problems at temperatures below -5 ° C. In the following we will introduce you to both of these types.

Hardy real lavender varieties

With its blue-violet flowers, real lavender is one of the classics among the lavender types. For a short time it can withstand low temperatures, wintering in a protected location and additional ones However, depending on the region, care measures may still be necessary so that the plant is undamaged by the cold Season is coming. We can recommend the following hardy varieties of real lavender:

  • "Hidcote Blue": Proven variety from England; dark blue flowers with a tinge of purple; flowers from July to August; compact growth
  • "Hidcote Pink": Beautiful pink flowers; suitable as a scented hedge; Flowering period from July to August; strongly fragrant
Hidcote Blue
‘Hidcote Blue’ is a popular English strain [Photo: T.Holman / Shutterstock.com]
  • "Blue Cushion": Blue-violet flowers; bushy growth; suitable as a bed border; flowers from July to August; Winter protection when there is clear frost is recommended; suitable for pot cultivation
  • ‘Jamlitz’: Proven variety that is extremely tough and robust; also suitable for rough locations; blue-violet flowers from June to July; becomes relatively high
  • "Dwarf Blue": Deep blue flowers with a tinge of purple; compact growth; suitable as a bed border and scented hedge; Flowering time from July to August, but possible until late autumn
Dwarf Blue
‘Dwarf Blue’ is particularly suitable for fragrant hedges [Photo: angelaflu / Shutterstock.com]
  • ‘Blue Ice’: Unique ice blue flowers from June to July; robust variety; can be easily combined with darker varieties in terms of color
  • "Blue Scent": Very robust variety; purple-blue flowers from the beginning of June; good growth; rather undemanding
  • "Ellagance Purple": Resistant variety; ideal for the garden; purple flowers from July to August; bushy growth

A comprehensive collection with various Varieties of real lavender in all possible colors and shapes can be found in our special article.

Winter hardy spear lavender varieties

The broad-leaved lavender, as the Speiklavender is also called, is frost-resistant to a certain extent, but cannot be classified as hardy. In regions with very changeable climates, the Speiklavender should therefore be brought indoors during the cold months. Cold stress is particularly favored by fluctuating weather conditions with an alternation between rain, snow, frost and thaw. However, the Speiklavender should not be exposed to weeks of permafrost. In order to simplify the wintering, it is a good idea to cultivate this species in a tub or pot.

Would you like to know more about the different Types and varieties of lavender you will find a compilation here.

Plant lavender in a pot
To make wintering easier, it is a good idea to cultivate the lavender in a tub or pot [Photo: Robert Przybysz / Shutterstock.com]

Hibernate hardy lavender

For a successful hibernation, however, it is not just the selection of the right species that is decisive. Good care, the right location and suitable protective measures are also essential. For those species that can be overwintered outdoors, a layer of brushwood, leaves or mulch offers protection from precipitation and cold as well as from excessive solar radiation. On the other hand, it is best to bring potted plants indoors and put them in a dry, unheated room.

More tips and tricks for successful Wintering lavender can be found in our special article.