Winter is fast approaching and that means it’s time to start thinking about protecting our beloved lavender plants. As lavender enthusiasts, we know how important it is to care for our plants, especially during the colder months. Lavenders require specific conditions to thrive and survive the winter, and as such, we must ensure that we are providing them with the right care.
In this article, we will provide you with the necessary tips and advice to ensure that your lavender plants not only survive but thrive during the winter season. At the heart of winter lavender care is the understanding that these plants require dry roots and well-draining soil. This means that we need to take extra care to ensure that our lavender plants are not overwatered and that the soil is well-draining.
Additionally, pruning techniques are essential to encourage healthy growth during the winter months. With the right care and attention, our lavender plants can continue to thrive throughout the winter season, providing us with their beautiful and fragrant blooms all year round. So, let’s dive in and learn how to care for our lavender plants during the winter months.
Key Takeaways
- Lavenders need well-draining soil to survive winter and are drought tolerant.
- English Lavenders are cold hardy and can survive winter in temperate climates, while non-English lavenders need to be transferred into pots and brought inside over winter in colder climates.
- Prune lavenders into a mound shape to resist winter weather and tidy away fallen leaves to prevent fungal disease and root rot.
- Indoor lavenders need watering once every 4-6 weeks in winter and must be protected from high humidity and given space for air flow.
Preparing for Winter
Let’s prepare our lavenders for winter by following these tips to ensure a thriving plant come springtime. First, we should prune our lavenders into a dense mound shape to help them resist winter weather and deflect snow. This will also help to slow down the formation of woody growth and increase flower production.
It’s important to prune our lavenders at the start of spring, but a light pruning should also be done in late summer or early fall. In addition to pruning, we should clear away fallen leaves and decaying organic matter from around our lavenders. This will prevent unfavourable conditions that could lead to fungal disease and root rot.
Mulching around the base of the plant with sand or gravel can also be advantageous, as it suppresses weeds and improves soil drainage. For non-cold hardy lavenders, overwintering indoors is necessary. We should transplant these plants into pots and bring them inside to protect them from harsh winter conditions.
Watering Needs
We should be mindful of the watering needs of our lavender, ensuring that we don’t overwater and risk causing root rot during the dormant winter months. The amount and frequency of watering will depend on whether our lavender is indoors or outdoors. Established outdoor lavenders typically do not require any additional watering over winter, as they are drought tolerant and enter a state of dormancy. However, indoor lavenders may require infrequent watering, no more than once every 4-6 weeks, to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
To help us keep track of our watering schedule, we can use a table to record the dates and amount of water given to our lavender. This will allow us to easily monitor the moisture level of the soil and prevent us from overwatering. The table might look something like this:
| Date | Indoor Lavender | Outdoor Lavender |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1 | 1/4 cup | None |
| Nov 15 | None | None |
| Dec 1 | 1/4 cup | None |
| Dec 15 | None | None |
| Jan 1 | 1/4 cup | None |
By following these watering guidelines and keeping an eye on our lavender’s moisture levels, we can ensure that our plant remains healthy and vibrant throughout the winter months.
Pruning Techniques
As we wield our pruning shears with the precision of a surgeon, we can sculpt our lavender into a dense, round shape to fend off the bitter cold and gusty winds of the season. Pruning lavenders is an important step in maintaining their health and promoting vigorous growth. By cutting back the plant’s branches, we can prevent the formation of woody growth and encourage the production of fresh, green foliage and abundant flowers.
Mound shaping is an effective technique for resisting winter weather and protecting the plant from snow and ice damage. By pruning the lavender into a dense, rounded mound, we can also improve its aesthetic appeal and ensure a tidy appearance.
It’s important to prune lavender correctly, as improper pruning can lead to weak, leggy growth and reduced flowering. The main pruning should be done at the start of spring, but a light pruning should also be done in late summer/early fall to manage woody growth and promote bushiness.
Soil and Drainage Tips
Improving soil structure and promoting good drainage is essential for healthy lavender growth. Lavenders prefer soil that drains quickly and does not hold onto moisture, especially during winter dormancy. To ensure optimal soil conditions, here are some tips:
- Amend the soil with sand or gravel to improve the soil structure. This will help create air pockets and promote good drainage.
- Mulching techniques can also suppress weeds and improve soil drainage. Apply a layer of sand or gravel around the base of the plant to prevent water from accumulating around the roots.
- Avoid overwatering lavenders as they’re drought-tolerant plants. Wet, cold winter soils can cause root rot and kill the plant.
- Potted lavenders require good soil drainage. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining. Water potted lavenders very infrequently if indoors and not at all if outdoors during winter dormancy.
By following these soil and drainage tips, you can ensure that your lavender will thrive during winter dormancy. Remember, a healthy plant starts with healthy soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lavender survive in extremely cold temperatures?
At first, I was skeptical about lavender surviving in extremely cold temperatures, but I learned that English Lavenders can withstand frost and temps as low as -30°C. However, non-English lavenders need to be in mild climates for winter survival. Lavender hardiness depends on the species.
How often should non-English lavenders be watered in winter when kept indoors?
When keeping non-English lavenders indoors during winter dormancy, we should water them once every 4-6 weeks. However, indoor hydration should be infrequent to avoid overwatering and potential root rot.
Can lavender be grown in containers during winter?
Yes, lavender can be grown in containers during winter. Container gardening requires proper soil drainage and winter pruning to prevent root rot and damage from hostile winter weather. English lavender is best suited for container gardening.
How can lavender be protected from occasional cold snaps?
To protect lavender from occasional cold snaps, covering techniques such as a cloche can be used. It’s also important to maintain proper soil moisture levels by amending the soil with sand or gravel for improved drainage.
How long is the dormancy period of lavender during winter?
During winter, Winter Lavender enters a dormancy period where growth stops. The length of the dormancy period varies depending on the climate and the specific species of lavender. Growth resumption will occur in spring when temperatures rise.
