Does Lavender Come Back? Tips for Cultivating Sustainable Lavender Plants

Does Lavender Come Back?

Yes, lavender can come back after winter with proper care.

English lavenders are able to tolerate snow, frost, and ice and will come back in the spring.

However, it is important to note that Spanish and French lavenders may not come back after winter in cold climates.

Pruning lavender annually is necessary to keep it healthy, but harsh pruning can prevent it from coming back.

Lavender species such as Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula dentata, and Lavandula latifolia are more vulnerable to cold weather.

It is advisable to plant English lavender varieties such as ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ in cold climates, as they reliably come back after winter.

Additionally, lavenders sensitive to cold can be grown in pots or containers and moved indoors during winter.

Overall, with proper care and consideration of its specific variety, lavender can come back after winter.

Key Points:

  • Lavender can come back after winter with proper care.
  • English lavenders are able to tolerate snow, frost, and ice and will come back in the spring.
  • Spanish and French lavenders may not come back after winter in cold climates.
  • Harsh pruning can prevent lavender from coming back, so annual pruning is necessary but should be done carefully.
  • Lavender species like Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula dentata, and Lavandula latifolia are more vulnerable to cold weather.
  • English lavender varieties like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ reliably come back after winter in cold climates.

Did You Know?

1. Lavender is a perennial plant, meaning that it does come back year after year if properly taken care of. However, its lifespan can vary depending on the specific variety and growing conditions.

2. The scent of lavender is known to have calming and relaxing effects on the body and mind. This is why it is commonly used in aromatherapy and sleep aids, as it can help promote feelings of tranquility and improve sleep quality.

3. Ancient Egyptians used lavender in the mummification process, as they believed it had purifying and preserving properties. Lavender flowers were also found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.

4. The color “lavender” takes its name from the pale purple color of the lavender flowers. However, the term “lavender” encompasses a range of shades from light lilac to deeper violet, which can vary depending on the specific species of lavender.

5. Lavender has a long history of culinary use, especially in French cuisine. It is an essential ingredient in the traditional blend of herbs called “herbes de Provence,” and its delicate floral flavor is often used to enhance desserts, teas, and even savory dishes.

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Does Lavender Come Back?

Lavender, a perennial sub shrub, is a plant known for its beautiful flowers and aromatic fragrance. One common question among gardeners is whether lavender plants have the capability to come back after winter. The answer, in short, is yes. With proper care and attention, lavender has the potential to rebound and thrive after the colder months.

However, it is important to note that not all lavender varieties are created equal. Some species, such as the Spanish and French lavenders, may struggle to survive in cold climates and may not come back after a harsh winter. On the other hand, English lavenders are more resilient and can tolerate a wide range of weather conditions, including snow, frost, and ice. These varieties are known to rebound with vigor in the spring.

Considerations for Lavender in Cold Climates:

  • Not all lavender species can withstand harsh winters.
  • Spanish and French lavenders may struggle to survive in cold climates.
  • English lavenders are more resilient and can tolerate snow, frost, and ice.
  • Proper care and attention are crucial for lavender’s ability to rebound after winter.

“With proper care and attention, lavender has the potential to rebound and thrive after the colder months.”

Cold Climate Considerations For Lavender

While English lavender has better chances of survival in cold climates, it is essential to provide certain considerations to ensure its successful return after winter. Cold and damp soils can be detrimental to lavender plants, which prefer dry and well-draining conditions. Lavender varieties such as Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula dentata, and Lavandula latifolia are particularly vulnerable to cold weather, and may struggle to come back after winter.

To enhance their chances of survival, lavender species sensitive to cold temperatures should be grown in pots or containers. This allows for better control of soil conditions, and if necessary, the plants can be moved indoors during the winter months. It is also important to note that lavender roots are not tolerant of cold and damp soils, making well-draining soil with horticultural sand or grit an ideal choice for planting.

  • Summary:
  • English lavender has better chances of survival in cold climates.
  • Lavender species susceptible to cold temperatures should be grown in pots or containers.
  • Well-draining soil with horticultural sand or grit is ideal for planting lavender.

Pruning Lavender For Longevity

Pruning is crucial for the health and longevity of lavender plants. Annual pruning stimulates new growth and enhances the plant’s ability to produce flowers. Neglecting to prune lavender can lead to woody and leggy growth, resulting in fewer flowers and a weaker aroma.

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The ideal times to prune lavender are in spring or fall. However, caution must be exercised to avoid overly harsh pruning, as it may prevent the lavender from regrowing after winter. Instead, focus on removing dead or woody parts of the plant and encourage new green growth near the base. Neglected or heavily woody lavenders can be challenging to save, and it may be necessary to replace them or attempt to propagate healthy growth.

Soil Conditions And Care For Lavender

Creating suitable soil conditions is crucial for the successful growth and survival of lavender plants. These resilient plants prefer dry, sandy soils with infrequent rainfall, as excessive moisture can lead to fungal pathogen attacks and foliage discoloration. If the garden soil is slow draining or boggy, it is advisable to transfer the lavender to a pot, allowing for better control over soil conditions.

Mulching lavender plants is generally not recommended, as it can hold in excess moisture. However, a light topping of light-colored pebbles can help protect the soil around the plant while enhancing its aesthetics. Although lavender does not require regular fertilization, it is important to remove weeds, as these can compete with the plant and compromise its growth.

Tips for Planting and Growing Lavender:

  • Plant lavender in dry, sandy soils with infrequent rainfall
  • Transfer lavender to a pot if the garden soil is slow draining or boggy
  • Avoid mulching lavender plants
  • Use light-colored pebbles to protect the soil and enhance aesthetics
  • Remove weeds regularly to prevent competition with lavender growth

Tips For Planting And Growing Lavender

Planting and Growing Lavender

Planting and growing lavender can be a rewarding experience when the right conditions are provided. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

  1. Sunlight and Soil: Lavender thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. When planting, dig a hole that is two to three times as wide as the plant, ensuring that it’s placed at the same level or slightly higher than its original position in the pot.

  2. Watering: During the first year of establishment, lavender plants should be watered deeply every few days. While they can tolerate poor soils, it’s important to strike a balance. Overwatering or excessive use of fertilizers can make the plants more susceptible to disease and cold weather.

  3. Pruning: To ensure a well-cared-for lavender plant that blooms annually for three to five years, regular pruning is crucial. The best time for pruning is in spring, once new growth appears on the stems. Remove dead portions of the lavender plant just above where new buds appear. This helps promote healthier growth and prevents potential damage during winter.

“the question of whether lavender comes back after winter can be answered affirmatively when provided with proper care.”

While lavenders such as Spanish and French varieties may struggle in colder climates, English lavender and Lavandula x intermedia are more resilient and can tolerate freezing temperatures.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
  • Balancing watering and fertilizing is important to prevent disease and cold weather susceptibility.
  • Pruning lavender in spring promotes healthier growth and prevents winter damage.

By following these tips, gardeners can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of lavender year after year.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Can lavender grow back?

Yes, lavender can indeed grow back. Although the appearance may be unsightly after a period of winter dormancy, hardy lavender plants have the ability to regenerate and return for several years. With proper care and maintenance, these tenacious perennials can thrive and beautify your garden for a decade or even longer. So don’t be discouraged by their initial post-winter appearance, as your lavender plants have the potential to bounce back and bring back their fragrant blooms year after year.

Is lavender plant permanent?

Lavender plants are generally long-lasting, with the ability to return year after year. Their lifespan typically spans around 15 years or even longer. However, it’s important to note that certain varieties, such as French and Spanish lavenders, are more vulnerable to frost damage. In harsh winters, these specific types may not survive the freezing temperatures, resulting in their failure to regrow.

Does dead lavender come back?

Yes, dead lavender can come back to life. Although it may appear grey or dead in certain sections, pruning the deadwood and being careful not to damage the live portions can encourage new growth. Lavender is a hardy plant, so with proper care and patience, it is not uncommon for seemingly dead sections to rejuvenate and come back to life several weeks later.

Does lavender regenerate?

Lavender does not have the ability to regenerate from old wood, which is why it is crucial not to prune it back completely. While pruning instructions for English lavender recommend leaving approximately one third of the new green growth, it is important to note that this is to ensure the plant’s rejuvenation. By preserving a portion of the new growth, lavender can continue to thrive and produce its beautiful fragrant flowers.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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