Not every lavender plant can stay outside in winter. Of the estimated 25 to 30 varieties of lavender, only the true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which comes from the mountains, is hardy and can be left outdoors with the appropriate protection. All other types of lavender overwinter best in a pot under cold house conditions.
How to overwinter lavender in winter?
To protect lavender in winter, hardy lavender should be kept in a sunny, protected location in the garden, while other varieties overwinter in pots at 10-12 °C. Additionally protect outdoor lavender from frost and moisture with protective mats (€71.00 at Amazon) or brushwood.
Protect outdoor lavender from frost
Winter-hardy lavender can usually overwinter outside in the garden without any problems. However, the prerequisite for this is a sunny and protected location, for example on a warm house wall. It shouldn't be drafty either, because the plant doesn't like strong winds at all. You can also protect the plants from frost with protective mats (€71.00 on Amazon) or brushwood. Covering also has the advantage that precipitation and moisture cannot drown the drought-loving lavender. Only a blanket of snow is an advantage because it protects the plants from the cold. As paradoxical as it may sound, lavender dries out due to a lack of moisture, especially in winter, because on frosty days the sun causes any moisture that may be present to evaporate faster than the plant can absorb the water. If the ground is frost-free, you can water the lavender if necessary - but be careful, under no circumstances should it become waterlogged.
Overwintering lavender in a pot
Potted lavender overwinteres best in a bright and cool location inside a house. However, heated rooms such as the living room should be avoided as the plants need a winter rest. Temperatures around 10 to 12 °C are optimal. In winter, lavender needs regular but little water and should not be fertilized. Finally, in spring, you can put the plants outside again for an hour at a time starting in March, assuming the weather is appropriate, and thus prepare them for the new growing season.
Tips & Tricks
Unlike many other trees, lavender is not allowed to be cut in autumn. If possible, the final cut should be carried out at the beginning of August at the latest.
