Not every lavender plant can stay outside in winter. Of the estimated 25 to 30 varieties of lavender, only the mountain lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is hardy and can remain outdoors with the appropriate protection. All other lavender varieties are best overwintered in a pot under cold house conditions.
Protect outdoor lavender from frost
Hardy lavender can usually overwinter outside in the garden without any problems. A prerequisite for this, however, is a sunny and sheltered location, for example on a warming house wall. It must not be drafty either, because the plant does not like strong winds at all. You can also protect the plants from frost with protective mats or brushwood. Covering also has the benefit of preventing precipitation and humidity from drowning the drought-loving lavender. Only a snow cover is an advantage, because it protects the plants from the cold. As paradoxical as it may sound: lavender dries up due to a lack of moisture, especially in winter, because on frosty days the sun allows any moisture that may be present to evaporate faster than the plant is able to absorb the water. If the ground is frost-free, you can water the lavender if necessary - but be careful, it must not form under any circumstances waterlogging.
Overwinter lavender in a pot
Potted lavender overwinters best in a light and cool spot indoors. However, heated rooms such as the living room should be avoided, as the plants need a winter rest. Temperatures around 10 to 12 °C are ideal. In winter, lavender needs regular, but little water and should not be fertilized. Finally, in spring you can put the plants outside again by the hour from March - provided the weather is right - and thus prepare them for the new growing season.
tips and tricks
Unlike many other shrubs, lavender should not be cut in the fall. If possible, the last cut should be carried out at the beginning of August at the latest.