Over winter Potted Lavender shrub - Ask Extension
I bought a lovely potted lavender "tree" at Costco in May. It did well all season long, outdoors in full sun. . I brought it in house in Oct and it is...
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Over winter Potted Lavender shrub #608922
Asked December 22, 2019, 11:22 AM EST
I bought a lovely potted lavender "tree" at Costco in May. It did well all season long, outdoors in full sun. . I brought it in house in Oct and it is really looking sad. It is in a window where it gets a reasonable dose of daily light. I keep it watered as needed, but leaves look droopy and s some of the interior plant seems dead, so I trimmed that part away. Right now I'm on the verge of tossing it out, as it looks so sad. I was told it can thrive again come spring, but I'm not so sure, I don't know which hybrid or version of Lavender I have. Do you think it's worth saving, even tho it looks so sad?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution. If you are already having issues with the plant (it is only December), you should not expect improvement. Some outdoor herbs that are not hardy here (rosemary is another) do not do well indoors because of our dry indoor air and low winter light. These factors also make the plant susceptible to insects such as mites and aphids.
Keep the plant in as high a light location as you have. Water only to keep the roots from drying out. Watch carefully for mites, mealy bugs and aphids. In the spring, increase watering and prune back.
But quite honestly I've found it easier simply to start over in the spring with a new plant.
And, by the way, some lavenders are hardy enough to survive outdoors (in the ground, of course) here in winter. Read here:
https://northerngardener.org/plant-profile-lavender/
https://www.lavenderconnection.com/for-the-love-of-lavender/growing-lavender-in-cold-climates
Keep the plant in as high a light location as you have. Water only to keep the roots from drying out. Watch carefully for mites, mealy bugs and aphids. In the spring, increase watering and prune back.
But quite honestly I've found it easier simply to start over in the spring with a new plant.
And, by the way, some lavenders are hardy enough to survive outdoors (in the ground, of course) here in winter. Read here:
https://northerngardener.org/plant-profile-lavender/
https://www.lavenderconnection.com/for-the-love-of-lavender/growing-lavender-in-cold-climates
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I may let it stay here til Jan 1, but honestly, it looks so sad, I really am tempted to toss it out and start anew come spring. Is there a list somewhere of those lavender types that thrive best in our Minn zone?
The links I sent you have some suggestions. Also, the Chicago Botanical Gardens did some trials a few years ago. Read here:
https://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2019/02/good-lavenders-for-north.html
https://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2019/02/good-lavenders-for-north.html
Dennis, I'm so grateful for your kind replies, with links to more info. I think I may have to view Lavender as an annual.... seems an awful lot of fuss to try to keep one over the winter. My potted lavender tree/plant looked great from May-sept., but I'm sure it didn't get enuff lite after coming indoors. It failed fast. I'm about to toss it, becuz as you note, it's only Dec., and unlikely this will look any better come May... meanwhile, t is shedding leaves and looking dismal.
so grateful for your comments, thank you!
ann B
so grateful for your comments, thank you!
ann B
