Best Lavender Varieties for Cold USDA Zones: A Gardener’s Guide

Discover the best lavender varieties for cold USDA zones like English and Phenomenal lavender. Get simple tips to grow and protect them in winter!

Best Lavender Varieties for Cold USDA Zones

Hello, fellow gardeners! I’m Ashley Scott, and with 10 years of gardening experience under my belt, I’ve learned how to grow beautiful plants even in tough conditions. Today, I’m excited to share a complete guide on the Best Lavender Varieties for Cold USDA Zones. If you live in a chilly part of the USA and want to enjoy lavender’s lovely purple blooms and calming scent, you’re in the right place!

Lavender might remind you of warm, sunny places, but some types can handle cold winters like champs. In this article, I’ll tell you which lavender varieties are perfect for colder USDA zones, how to care for them, and how to keep them happy through frosty months. Whether you’re a kid planting your first garden or an adult looking for easy tips, I’ve got you covered with simple advice and stories from my own backyard.


What Are USDA Hardiness Zones?

Let’s start with the basics. USDA hardiness zones are like a map that tells you how cold your area gets in winter. The lower the number, the colder it is. For example, Zone 4 can drop to -30°F (-34°C), while Zone 7 stays above 0°F (-18°C).

I live in Zone 5, and I’ve seen my fair share of snow! Knowing your zone helps you pick plants that won’t shiver and die when it gets frosty. You can find your zone on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. It’s super easy—just type in your zip code!


Why Pick Lavender for Cold Climates?

You might wonder, “Why grow lavender if I live somewhere cold?” Well, lavender isn’t just pretty—it smells amazing and can even be used in cooking or crafts! The trick is picking cold-hardy lavender that can handle freezing temperatures. These tough plants come back every spring, saving you time and money. Plus, who doesn’t want a garden that smells like a spa?


Best Lavender Varieties for Cold USDA Zones

After years of planting and experimenting, I’ve found four lavender varieties that are perfect for colder spots. Here they are!

1.English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • Hardiness Zone: 5-9 (sometimes Zone 4 with extra care)
  • Why I Love It: English lavender is a tough cookie! It can survive cold winters and has a strong, sweet smell. I use it to make tea and sachets.
  • My Story: In my Zone 5 garden, English lavender has been a star. Even after a big snowstorm, it pops back up in spring like nothing happened.

Want to grow it too? Read my guide on How to Grow English Lavender.

2. Phenomenal Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’)

Phenomenal Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’)
  • Hardiness Zone: 4-8
  • Why I Love It: This one’s a superhero for cold zones! Phenomenal lavender is made to handle frost and even wet soil better than most. It’s great for Zone 4 gardeners.
  • My Story: I planted it near my windy shed, and it stood tall through a freezing winter. It’s now my go-to for tough spots!

Curious about hybrids? Check out Penn State Extension’s Lavender Guide.

3. Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’)

Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’)
  • Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Why I Love It: Munstead is a smaller English lavender that’s super hardy. It blooms early, so you get flowers sooner!
  • My Story: I line my garden path with Munstead. It’s neat, pretty, and tough enough to handle my cold winters.

New to planting? See my Planting Lavender for Beginners.

4. Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’)

Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’)
  • Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Why I Love It: Hidcote has deep purple flowers and a bold scent. It’s a bit less hardy than Munstead but still awesome with some TLC.
  • My Story: I cut Hidcote stems for homemade potpourri—it fills my house with fragrance all winter!

Learn more about types at The Spruce’s Lavender Guide.


How to Protect Lavender in Winter

Even tough lavender needs a little help in super cold zones. Here’s how I keep mine safe:

  • Add Mulch: I pile straw or pine needles around the base. It’s like a cozy blanket for the roots!
  • Don’t Overwater: Lavender hates soggy soil. I stop watering when fall gets cold.
  • Trim Smart: In late summer, I snip a little to shape it, but I never cut too much before winter—it needs its leaves to stay strong.

Need more winter tricks? See this University of Minnesota Extension Guide.


Tips for Overwintering Lavender

Overwintering just means helping your lavender sleep through winter and wake up happy. Here are my best tips:

  • Raise the Bed: If your dirt stays wet, plant lavender in a raised bed. It keeps roots dry.
  • Block the Wind: I use burlap screens in windy spots to shield my plants.
  • Pick a Sunny Spot: Lavender loves sun and air, so I plant mine where it’s bright and breezy.

Want more cold-weather ideas? Check my Winterizing Your Garden.


Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some I hear a lot:

Can lavender grow in Zone 4?
Yes! Phenomenal lavender is hardy in Zone 4, and some English types work with extra care.

What’s the difference between English and French lavender?
English lavender is tougher for cold (Zones 5-9), while French lavender likes warmer spots (Zones 8-11).

How do I tell if my lavender is hurt by winter?
If the stems are brown and crispy with no green in spring, it’s damaged. I trim the bad parts and wait to see if it grows back.

Can I bring lavender inside for winter?
Sure! I grow small pots indoors near a sunny window when it’s too cold outside.

More questions? Visit Gardening Know How.


Final Thoughts

Growing the Best Lavender Varieties for Cold USDA Zones is easier than you think! With stars like English lavender, Phenomenal lavender, Munstead, and Hidcote, you can have a gorgeous, fragrant garden even in snowy places. Pick the right type, give it some love, and watch it shine year after year.

I’ve loved seeing lavender bloom in my cold Zone 5 garden—it’s proof that beauty can thrive anywhere. Try it out, and let me know how it goes! For more gardening fun, explore USA Garden Hub.

Happy planting!

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