Farm Journal · May 15, 2024
Caring for Lavender in Zone 5 During May
As a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, lavender thrives in warm, dry climates. However, with the right care and variety selection, you can grow lavender successfully in Zone 5 gardens, like here in Upstate New York!
May is a crucial month for establishing and maintaining lavender plants in this hardiness zone. Here are some tips for success with lavender in your garden.
Choose the Right Variety
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and its cultivars like 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' are among the most cold-hardy varieties, able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°F. I've had a round of back luck with 'Hidcote', likely due to the very wet summer we had last year. But 'Munstead' continues to overwinter well.
Lavandins (lavendula x intermedia), which are hybrids between English and Portuguese lavenders, such as 'Grosso' and 'Provence', can also tolerate Zone 5 winters.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Lavender requires full sun exposure, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot with well-draining soil. Lavender plants are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions.
If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with sand, gravel, or compost to improve drainage. Lavender prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5, so be sure to test your soil before planting.
Planting and Spacing
In Zone 5, it's best to plant lavender in mid to late-May, after the last expected frost date.
Space plants 18-24 inches apart for smaller varieties, but as much as 6 feet apart for larger varieties like 'Phenomenal (R)'. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Watering and Weeding
Newly planted lavender requires consistent watering to establish a deep root system. Water twice a week, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, if any.
Lavender does not like competition, so consider using a weed fabric to suppress weeds, or plan to weed or cultivate around the plants regularly.
Pruning and Maintenance
In May, after danger of frost, prune away dead or damaged growth from the previous winter, and re-shape the plant into a mound by removing the top 1/3 of each branch when the plant begins to green up.
Use sharp, clean pruners and make cuts just above a set of healthy leaves or buds. Avoid pruning into old, woody stems as this can damage the plant.
Throughout the growing season, remove spent flower stalks to encourage further blooming,
Have more questions? Join us for a Lavender 101 class, or contact info@farmstead1868.com for a private consultation. Most of all, have fun growing lavender and experimenting to find the variety that will work with your space.