Gardeners adore lavender for its soft fragrance, beautiful blooms, along with many medicinal and culinary uses. On top of this, lavender is a pollinating plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs to the garden. From lavender lattes and desserts to being a natural sleep aid to helping manage pain, it's easy to see why lavender is a favorite in the garden! But, can lavender survive the cold winter months?

Discover how to care for lavender plants in winter. Discover ideal lavender winter care, how to overwinter your plants, and when to bring lavender indoors when the cold hits.

Tools You'll Need

What you'll need to care for lavender in winter

To overwinter your lavender plants, there are a few tools you may need.

  • Grow light (if necessary)
  • Lavender plants
  • High-quality potting soil
  • Gardening gloves
  • Watering can
  • Lime

How to Overwinter Lavender

Some growing zones will need to bring lavender plants indoors

lavender growing in winter with snow covering flowers

When it comes time to overwinter lavender, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to determine the type of lavender you are growing, and second, what zone you are growing in.

Types of Lavender

Learn about the most common types of lavender below.

  • English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most popular type of lavender to grow. In most locations, you can keep English lavender outside during winter as it can withstand the cold. This type of lavender can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata) don't stand up to the cold as well. Depending on the growing zone you are in, this species may need to be brought inside for protection.
  • The lowest outdoor temperature for both Spanish and French lavender is 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are growing this lavender in zone 8 or higher, you can leave it outdoors for the winter months. Other growing zones will need to overwinter the plant indoors.

Growing Zones for Lavender

Depending on where you are located, you may need to move your lavender plant indoors.

  • Typically lavender grows best in zones 5 to 8. In zone 5 or warmer, you can keep lavender outdoors during the winter with very little protection. Using materials like straw, leaves, or wood chips, apply a 1 to 3-inch layer of mulch around your plant to better protect it from freezing temperatures.
  • Other zones will need to overwinter their lavender plants indoors, or in a heated greenhouse to continue growing the plant into the colder months. Simply bring the planting pot or container inside to protect it from harsh conditions. Come spring, when temperatures increase, you can move your lavender back outdoors again.
  • If your lavender is growing in the ground, simply transplant it into a container to bring indoors for the winter, or you risk losing your plant to ol' Jack Frost.

When to Move Lavender Back Outside

You can safely move your lavender plant back outside when spring approaches and the temperature at night reaches above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Always check the frost date for your area before transitioning the plant back outside and harden off your plants first.
  • Hardening off is a process in which you slowly introduce the plant to the outdoor conditions over a period of seven to 14 days, slowly increasing the amount of time outdoors each day.

Lighting and Temperature Needs for Lavender

Ideal lavender plant care during winter

Lavender plants love the sun and grow best outdoors. However, some gardeners bring their lavender plants inside during the winter to further protect their plants. Giving your lavender the proper growing requirements and helping it adjust to the temperature will keep them happy indoors.

  • Growing lavender indoors in winter may require the use of a grow light or a sunny spot near a window to ensure the plant gets enough sunlight. They need about six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish. Under a grow light, provide between 12 to 14 hours daily.
  • During the colder months, the plant goes into a state of rest, so it will no longer flower or produce new growth from September to April. Even though growth is limited during these months, lavender plants still require full sun in winter.
  • The ideal indoor temperature for lavender in the wintertime is between 40 degrees to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When growing indoors, lavender prefers a cooler temperature during winter and should be kept away from extreme heat or cold fluctuations — this includes drafts and radiators.

Watering During the Wintertime

Lavender needs less water when in a dormant state

Watering can waters the lavender flowers on the balcony.

Throughout the winter, lavender will require less water than usual, as the plant is in a dormant state. During this time of rest, lavender plants will conserve their energy and stop or slow their growth. Dormancy for lavender plants lasts from September through to April.

  • Sustaining lavender during winter requires moist, well-draining soil. However, you want to avoid waterlogging the plant which can cause fungal diseases like root rot.
  • While they are not actively growing, lavender still requires regular watering. Provide about 1 inch of water every one to two weeks. To be certain, only water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch — regardless of whether your plant is indoors or outdoors.

Fertilizing Lavender

Stop fertilizing lavender during the colder months

Lavender plants are not heavy feeders, especially during the wintertime. Since the plant is not producing any blooms or leaves during this time, fertilizing may cause more harm than good.

  • Fertilize lavender during the spring when it’s actively producing new growth and flowers, but avoid feeding lavender during dormancy. Doing so hinders the plant’s overall growth and leaves the nutrients unused in the soil.
  • Lavender originates from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and the plant flourishes in these areas. To match the soil from its homeland, add 1 teaspoon of lime to your soil to help the plant thrive indoors and outdoors.

Lavender Winter Care

Caring for lavender in the winter is relatively easy if you provide it with the right environment. Depending on your climate, move lavender indoors to keep it safe over the winter months. Give your lavender plants adequate sunlight, regular watering, and stop fertilization when temperatures drop. Whether your lavender shines indoors or out, remember to give them what they need!