English lavender is hardy down to -12°C. French lavender is far less hardy, assume it is hardy to around -2°C, possibly a couple of degrees lower if the soil is very free-draining.
LAVENDER SUMMARY.
| HARDY | (to -12°C) |
|---|---|
| FLOWERING | |
| FLOWER TIME | End June to early August |
Can you leave French lavender outside in winter?
While true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is extremely hardy and easy to care for, French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) require special protection, at least over winter.
Can French lavender survive frost?
French lavender is vulnerable to harsh freezing, 19°F (-7°C), and can’t survive in sustained cold spells. Protect the base with mulch in winter. Use mineral mulch if possible.
Can you grow French lavender in the UK?
French lavenders are native to the Med where, although it can get cold in winter, it’s drier than the UK and the soils are far more free draining. We therefore added lots of grit to the soil before planting and this probably helped them to survive, especially on the heavy clay of our Glasgow garden.
Can French lavender survive snow?
French lavender only survives winter in warmer climates (USDA zones 7-9) and will not tolerate winters with cold temperatures, frost, ice and snow.
What do you do with French lavender in the winter?
To overwinter potted plants in areas that are too cold for French lavender, bring the pot indoors before the first frost. Keep the pot in a cool area with bright light. Water sparingly throughout the winter, only providing enough water to keep the plant alive.
How do you prepare French lavender for winter?
If your plant will be inside for the winter, keep it in a cool, non-freezing location with sunlight and air circulation. Slow down watering of plants. Lavender prefers a dry soil, and the amount of rain that naturally falls will be sufficient for the plant.
Will French lavender survive winter in UK?
They are however, not so hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -5°C. All lavenders need the correct soil conditions but this is critical for French lavender if it is to last through the UK winter. Not a plant for cooler areas.
Do I need to cover lavender for frost?
When to Cover. You will want to wait until the first hard frost to winterize your lavender. If you cover your plants too early, they will be much too warm and it will confuse the plant. Lavender goes into its dormancy phase during the colder months.
Does French lavender come back every year?
French lavenders are perennial plants that live for several years. The reason some people mistake French lavenders for annuals is that they grow them in a climate that is too cold for French lavender to survive winter and then have to replace the plant every year.
What is the most hardy lavender in UK?
English lavenders
English lavenders, always listed under L. angustifolia, are the hardiest of all – and the longest lived. A correctly pruned lavender of this type will look lovely and vigorous twenty years on, but will then need replacing.
How do you take care of French lavender UK?
- Sunlight. Preferred. Full Sun. Exposure. Sheltered.
- Size. Height. 0.5 – 1M. Spread. 0.5 – 1M. Bloom Time. May – September.
- Soil. Preferred. Chalk, Loam, Sand. Moisture. Well Drained. pH. Any.
What is the best lavender to grow in UK?
Great lavenders to grow
- Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
- Lavandula angustifolia ‘Little Lottie’
- Lavandula angustifolia ‘Lady Anne’
- Lavandula angustifolia ‘Lullaby Blue’
- Lavandula stoechas ‘Willow Vale’
- Lavandula stoechas ‘Fathead’
- Lavandula x intermedia ‘Edelweiss’
- Lavandula x intermedia ‘Gros Bleu’
Should you deadhead French lavender?
Dead-head French lavenders throughout the summer as they’ll flower continuously from May to September. Deadheading will also encourage more flowering through the season.
Should I cut back French lavender after flowering?
For best results, grow Lavandula stoechas in well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back the flower stalks after they have finished, and then trim back plants in April, if necessary.
Will lavender come back after a freeze?
Key Takeaways: Lavender does come back after Winter if they are planted in the appropriate climate. French and Spanish lavenders are not cold hardy and may not come back after a cold Winter with freezing temperatures whereas English lavender can tolerate cold climates and grow again in the Spring.
How hardy is French lavender?
French lavender is less hardy compared to its relatives in the genus Lavandula . Only with luck will it survive temperatures below -5 °C. Therefore, you should think early on how to get your lavender over the winter so that it can continue to delight you with its flowers the following year.
Where do you place French lavender?
The Best Place to Plant French Lavender
All Lavenders should be planted in well-drained soil in a very sunny spot, so avoid cold, damp areas of the garden. French Lavender isn’t as hardy as other Lavenders so should be grown in the location least likely to experience harsh frosts.
Can lavender survive winter in pots?
English Lavenders will survive winter in pots and tolerate frosts and cold weather, whereas French and Spanish lavenders will not survive outdoors over winter in climates that experience frost and will need to be brought indoors for protection.
What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
Prune for healthier lavender plants
An annual pruning is an important step for long-lasting lavender (Lavandula spp. and hybrids) plants. Without it they grow a large, lanky, woody base that can split open — it looks bad and shortens the plant’s lifespan.
Should lavender be cut back before winter?
A. Unpruned lavenders tend to become woody and have decreased blooms. However, lavender should not be pruned during the winter. Unlike many perennial plants and shrubs that can be pruned now, it is best to wait to prune lavender until after bloom in spring or in early fall before any danger of frost.