The enigma to overwintering lavender is proper planting . Most lavenders die during winter because the soil they are found in becomes waterlogged or doughy . Make indisputable your lavender is planted in a spot that has fast - draining soil , and work organic affair in the bod of compost or peat moss as well as horticultural sand into the planting site .
northerly nurseryman who have little success in overwintering lavenders should attempt planting lavender on the south side of buildings or walls . Soil rest 5 to 10 degrees warmer on the south side of building and the edifice block some of the blow , ice and wind that would otherwise compromise the health of the lavender . Given the proper planting condition , though , lavender is extremely easy to winterise .
Step 1
Remove your lavender ’s flower stalks when the efflorescence lead off to fade . Cut the stalks off as close to the leaves as possible . If your lavender has outgrown its stain you could reduce its sizing by one - third . Do this clip no later than 3 weeks before your first icing date .
Step 2
Wait until the first hard freeze to winterise your lavender . Doing this will ensure your lavender becomes fully dormant .
Step 3
encompass your lavender with stalk or chopped leaves . For turgid lavenders ( taller than 3 to 4 feet ) compensate the base or pennant of the plant with straw or chop leave . hatful drinking straw or chopped leave-taking around the bottom one-half to two - thirds of the industrial plant .
Step 4
hit the straw or chopped parting in spring after all danger of Robert Frost has go on .
Tip
Fluff the chaff or chopped folio before using them as mulch . Planting lavender on the south side of building or wall will give northern gardeners a better chance of overwintering lavender .
Warning
If potential , annul severely rationalise ( removing more than one-half ) your lavender after mid - August . wicked pruning may encourage subdued , new outgrowth that will die during cold winter temperatures .
