I’ve often wondered how its possible for plants, specifically Lavender, to survive the cold snowy covered winters?!  Well Lavender, depending on the variety of course, is hardy meaning it can withstand and even thrive in certain temperatures (in our case freezing).  Before starting this venture, my husband and I weren’t sure how these little plants would fare.  Well, interestingly, as we’ve been observing them over the course of the year, so far most of them seem to be in good shape despite the frosty cold temperatures. But not all them are thriving.  You might wonder why this is?

Here are a few tips on protecting your beautiful Lavender Babies in the Cold Canadian Winter for Zones 5 and below!

Firstly, you need to ensure you purchase Lavender varieties that are winter hardy for your zone.  I’ve heard of many people purchasing the wrong variety and they wonder why, come spring, their lavender babies are dead.

Second, you want to plant the young Lavender baby right in the ground preferably on a south facing slope and in a small raised bed.  Lavender is an evergreen shrub with a shallow root system.  And since the ground is warmer then a raised bed, and better protection for the shallow root system, it’s best if you can create something in between. Lavender is a drought tolerant plant and prefers be to dry, so you want to ensure good drainage.  A slope or small raised bed would help ensure the plant has good drainage and stays dry and happy.

Third, it is important to cover your Lavender plants (zone 5 and below) with winter protection.  Being that Lavender is an evergreen shrub, these plants are susceptible to winter burn and have a hard time fighting the natural winter elements.  A white breathable landscape fabric or white bucket with a hole on top is ideal as it allows the plant to go dormant.

If you implement some of the following suggestions you will have a much better success rate of overwintering your Lavender in colder zones!  Currently, we’ve been monitoring specific varieties with and without winter protection in our zone and have seen a dramatic difference in overall plant health.

Happy growing:-)