You can find lavender fields stretching across all sorts of countries these days. It’s not just the French Provence turning the landscape into a sea of purple; you’ll find it thriving in Italy and even right here in cooler climates. Depending on where you live, certain varieties will definitely be happier than others.
Growing Lavender in Cooler Climates
While you might not see massive commercial lavender farms everywhere, this Mediterranean beauty can still thrive in your backyard. Since temperatures in many regions are a bit cooler than the sunny Mediterranean, the lavender blooming season shifts a little. This usually means the flowers show up a bit later and the blooming window might be a tad shorter. But hey, unless you’re planning on harvesting acres of it to sell, that’s really not a dealbreaker!
In fact, lavender has become a go-to for city planners to brighten up traffic islands and urban parks because it’s so hardy. If you’re planting it in a temperate zone, don’t expect those purple buds until mid-to-late June. Once they arrive, though, they make the summer months feel so much more magical. Just make sure you pick the right spot for your lavender and keep up with basic care, and you’ll be enjoying that view for a long time.
What lavender needs to thrive:
- A spot with full sun
- Nutrient-poor (lean) soil
- Dry substrate with absolutely no standing water
Which Lavender Varieties Should You Pick?
If you’re looking for the best results, English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is your best bet. It’s incredibly hardy and handles fluctuating weather like a champ. French Lavender (Spanish Lavender) is another beautiful option you can try. Just remember: the more sunlight these plants get, the better the blooms and the more intense that heavenly scent will be.
Keep in mind that not every variety smells the same. Some are super fragrant, while others are a bit more subtle. Do a little homework before you buy to find the variety that fits your garden’s specific vibe—some types are even tough enough to grow in high-altitude, mountainous regions!