Overwintering lavender: tips for pots and beds

The lavender is used to the Mediterranean climate, but can also survive our winter. We show what needs to be considered when overwintering lavender.

lavender (Lavandula) originally comes from the warm Mediterranean region, where it can be found in mountainous regions or near the coast, depending on the species. the True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is therefore usually much more resistant to the winter cold than, for example, the broad-leaved spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) or the beautiful one French lavender (Lavandula stoechas). In this article, we explain how you can successfully overwinter your lavender in pots and beds.

Overwinter lavender

Not every type of lavender is hardy and can survive the cold season outside without protection. Probably the most robust type is the real lavender. This can usually remain in the bed without any problems. In contrast, spike lavender, French lavender and the like are more sensitive to frost and therefore need special protection in winter. If you plant them directly in a bucket, they can easily be relocated to a sheltered place in the garden or house.

Cut back before winter?

Regular pruning of lavender is important in order to prevent the bush from becoming bare in the long term and to keep the plant compact. However, if pruned too late in the summer, the lavender will not be able to mature in time. The last pruning should therefore take place at the beginning of August at the latest. If frostbite should nevertheless occur in winter, you can remove the dead parts of the plant the next time you cut back in late spring.

How and where to overwinter lavender?

Depending on the type and variety of lavender, overwintering in pots and/or in the garden bed is possible. We will explain to you what needs to be considered depending on the form of cultivation.

Overwinter lavender in a pot

Frost-sensitive types of lavender (spike lavender, French lavender) are best cultivated in planters. Before the first frost, bring the potted plants inside and place them in a dry, unheated room. Cellars, garages, greenhouses or conservatories are particularly suitable for overwintering.

However, if you have no space inside, the parking space in the garden should always be frost-free and partially shaded. A house wall also offers a shield against wind. As a protective measure against ground frost, you can place the pot on an insulating mat as a base or alternatively on polystyrene or wood. Terracotta pots are particularly suitable for overwintering as they bind excess moisture and protect the roots from freezing. If the temperatures drop below zero for a longer period of time, the bucket can be placed inside or covered with straw mats as thermal insulation.

Overwinter lavender in the bed

For those species that can be overwintered outdoors - these are especially the varieties of real lavender - a wind-protected location is of great importance. A layer of brushwood, leaves or mulch also offers protection from precipitation and cold as well as from excessive solar radiation. Because the combination of frost and sun can be fatal for lavender. If more water evaporates through the leaves than the plant can absorb from the soil, there is a risk of dehydration even in winter. A cover made of garden fleece or coconut mats, which serves as thermal insulation, also protects against permafrost below -15 °C.

Water lavender in winter

Thanks to its long taproot, lavender is able to provide itself outdoors with sufficient water and nutrients from deeper layers of the earth. In winter you only need to water when necessary if the soil is frost-free and permeable. Otherwise, the roots could be damaged when the water freezes again. In pot cultivation, the lavender needs to be watered more regularly. However, during the cold months, water only in moderation and make sure that excess water can drain off. You should definitely avoid waterlogging, otherwise the Mediterranean herb tends to rot. More information on the topic watering lavender can also be found in our special article.

Particularly hardy lavender types and varieties

The varieties of real lavender are particularly robust and tolerate temperatures down to -15 °C as long as there is no permafrost. The spike lavender, for example, is much more sensitive to frost and does not cope particularly well with fluctuating weather. In order to give you an overview of the diversity of lavender, we have included a special article hardy lavender varieties compiled for you.