A Visit to Lavender Bluff Farm // Best Cold Hardy Lavender Plants

Lavender has always been one of my favorite herbs/flowers to grow. And as lucky would have it, I live in a climate where growing lavender is just not feasible…for the most part. A few weeks ago, I visited Lavender Bluff Farm in Stockholm, Wisconsin, where they have managed to grow a few varieties that are very winter hardy, even for this climate. They did mention that where the farm is located, there is also a microclimate that gives an added bonus to these plants.

Lavender Bluff Farm is known for its scenic beauty and agricultural charm. Visitors enjoy picking lavender, exploring fields, and purchasing lavender-infused products like oils and soaps. The farm hosts events and offers a peaceful retreat amidst picturesque landscapes, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

While there, I had an opportunity to take a deeper dive into learning more about cold hardy lavenders. These aromatic wonders not only add a touch of charm but also thrive in our cooler climate, making them a must-have for any local gardener. For this post, I will focus on cold hardy lavender to grow in Minnesota (Zone 5) but this applies to similar climates where the winter temperatures can get pretty cold.

Why Choose Cold Hardy Lavenders?

First off, cold hardy lavenders are tough cookies. They can withstand Minnesota's chilly winters without batting an eye, coming back year after year with their fragrant blooms and silvery-green foliage. Imagine a garden filled with their vibrant purple hues, buzzing with bees and butterflies—it's like a scene straight out of a fairy tale!

When it comes to choosing the right lavender for your Minnesota garden, varieties matter. The best cold hardy lavender varieties are typically those that can withstand colder climates and harsher conditions. Some of the top choices include:

1. Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'— This variety is known for its compact size and deep purple flowers. It's hardy to USDA zone 4. This variety grow from 12 to 18 inches in height and once established, requires very little care.

2. Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'— Another popular choice, 'Hidcote' has rich violet-blue flowers with gray foliage. It is hardy to USDA zone 4 and requires winter protection. It is a shorter in height than Munstead. growing only to about 12 inches in height.

3. Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal'— A cold hardy hybrid lavender, it thrives zones 4 to 8. It is taller Hidcote or Munstead growing to between 24 to 34 inches. It has spectacular taller flower spikes, with silver foliage with lavender-blue blossoms.

Two lavender varieties not grown at Lavender Bluff Farm are Lavandula angustifolia 'SuperBlue' and 'Royal Velvet', and they are both hardy from zones 5-8. Royal Velvet is particularly known for having a strong fragrance.

Tips for Growing Cold Hardy Lavenders

  1. Location, Location, Location: Plant your lavenders in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They love the sun and need good air circulation to prevent diseases.

  2. Water Wisely: Lavenders don't like wet feet, so avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry out between waterings to mimic their natural Mediterranean habitat.

  3. Pruning for Prosperity: Give your lavenders a light trim after flowering to promote bushiness and future blooms. It also helps them stay compact and tidy.

Mulching cold hardy lavender plants is a great way to help them survive winter and promote healthy growth. Here’s how you can effectively mulch cold hardy lavender:

  1. Timing: Apply mulch after the first hard frost in late fall or early winter, once the ground begins to freeze, to insulate the soil and protect the roots during the coldest months.

  2. Choose the right mulch: Use a lightweight, well-draining mulch such as pine straw, shredded bark, or compost. Heavy mulches will hold too much moisture and potentially rot the roots.

  3. Apply mulch lightly: Spread a layer of mulch around the base of each lavender plant. Too much mulch can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot.

  4. Remove mulch in spring: Once the danger of frost has passed and temperatures start to warm up in spring, slowly remove the mulch from around the lavender plants. This will help the soil warm up.

By mulching your cold hardy lavender plants properly, you can provide insulation against freezing temperatures and help them survive through the winter months.

These beauties will grace your garden with their aromatic presence and are perfect for creating borders, adding texture to herb gardens, or even for drying to make sachets and potpourri.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of cold hardy lavenders and transform your Minnesota garden into a fragrant oasis. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resilient plants will reward you with beauty and fragrance season after season.

Happy gardening!