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Yes, you can grow lavender in Colorado, and with the right approach, it can thrive beautifully in your mountain garden.
Growing lavender in Colorado is absolutely possible because this hardy herb actually prefers the conditions our state offers, from the intense sunshine to the well-draining soils found in many areas.
The secret to growing lavender in Colorado lies in understanding that our challenging climate, with its dramatic temperature swings and low humidity, can be turned into an advantage for this Mediterranean native.
Whether you’re in Denver, Colorado Springs, or up in the foothills, you’ll find that lavender rewards gardeners who work with our unique environment instead of against it.
In this post, we’ll dig into exactly how to grow lavender in Colorado, the best varieties for our region, and the common mistakes that trip up even experienced gardeners.
Let’s explore how to make this fragrant, silver-leaved beauty a star in your Colorado landscape.
Why Lavender Can Grow In Colorado
Lavender can grow in Colorado because our state mimics much of the plant’s native Mediterranean habitat.
The key factors that make growing lavender in Colorado successful are our abundant sunshine, low humidity, and porous soils.
1. The Perfect Amount of Sunlight
Lavender craves full sun, and Colorado delivers with over 300 days of sunshine each year.
When you grow lavender in Colorado, you’re giving it the intense light it needs to produce those essential oils that make the fragrance so potent.
This high-altitude sunlight is actually more intense than what lavender gets in many other parts of the country, which helps plants develop stronger stems and more vibrant color.
2. Low Humidity Keeps Fungal Diseases Away
Colorado’s arid climate is a huge plus when you grow lavender in Colorado because lavender hates wet, humid conditions.
Fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot thrive in moisture, but our dry air keeps these problems at bay.
This natural advantage means you can grow lavender in Colorado with far fewer disease issues than gardeners in humid states like Georgia or Florida face.
3. Well-Draining Soil Is the Norm
Native Colorado soils, especially those with sandy or gravelly composition, provide the sharp drainage lavender absolutely requires.
When you grow lavender in Colorado, you’ll find that our rocky, alkaline soils actually mirror the plant’s preferred growing medium.
Just be mindful that if you have heavy clay soil, you’ll need to amend it heavily to keep those roots from sitting in moisture.
Best Lavender Varieties For Colorado Gardens
Choosing the right variety is crucial when you want to grow lavender in Colorado because not all types handle our harsh winters equally well.
You can successfully grow lavender in Colorado if you select cultivars bred for cold hardiness and quick drainage.
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is your best bet when you decide to grow lavender in Colorado because it tolerates colder temperatures than other species.
Varieties like ‘Munstead,’ ‘Hidcote,’ and ‘Phenomenal’ are specifically noted for their winter hardiness in our zone.
These compact plants handle the freeze-thaw cycles that Colorado winters throw at them far better than their French or Spanish cousins.
2. Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia)
Lavandins, which are hybrids of English and spike lavender, can also grow lavender in Colorado with a little extra care.
The variety ‘Phenomenal’ was actually bred for tough climates and has shown impressive resilience in Colorado test gardens.
These plants get larger than English types and produce longer flower spikes, making them excellent for cutting gardens.
3. What to Avoid
Steer clear of French lavender and Spanish lavender when you want to grow lavender in Colorado as these species are only hardy to around Zone 7.
Most of Colorado falls into Zones 4 through 6, meaning these tender types will likely perish during our coldest winters.
Stick with the hardy English and lavandin types, and you’ll be rewarded with years of fragrant blooms.
How To Successfully Grow Lavender In Colorado
Now that you know you can grow lavender in Colorado, let’s talk about the specific practices that ensure success in our unique climate.
The steps you take at planting time will determine whether your lavender thrives or merely survives.
1. Plant at the Right Time
The ideal time to grow lavender in Colorado is in the spring, after the last frost has passed.
This gives young plants a full growing season to establish deep root systems before winter arrives.
You can also plant in early fall, but make sure you do so at least six weeks before the ground freezes solid.
2. Amend Your Soil for Perfect Drainage
If your soil is heavy clay, you must amend it before you try to grow lavender in Colorado.
Mix in generous amounts of coarse sand, perlite, or small gravel to create the gritty texture lavender loves.
Build raised beds if your native soil is particularly heavy, as this elevates the root zone and improves drainage dramatically.
3. Water Deeply But Infrequently
When you grow lavender in Colorado, you’ll need to balance our dry climate with lavender’s need for dry feet.
Water new plants deeply every few days for the first few weeks to get them established.
Once established, watering once every two weeks during dry spells is usually plenty, as overwatering kills lavender faster than any pest.
4. Protect Against Winter Desiccation
Winter winds and bright sun can dry out lavender foliage even when you successfully grow lavender in Colorado.
Apply a light layer of gravel mulch around the base to insulate roots while keeping the crown dry.
Consider wrapping young plants with burlap or using a windbreak to protect them from the worst of our winter chinooks.
5. Prune for Longevity
Annual pruning keeps your lavender plants shapely and encourages vigorous new growth.
Shear back about one-third of the green growth in early spring, just as new sprouts begin to appear.
Avoid cutting into the woody old growth, as this can kill the plant and set back your efforts to grow lavender in Colorado.
So, Can You Grow Lavender In Colorado?
You can definitely grow lavender in Colorado when you choose the right varieties and follow our specific planting and care guidelines.
Growing lavender in Colorado is not only possible but can be highly rewarding, as our sunny, dry climate produces some of the most fragrant blooms you’ll ever encounter.
The key is selecting hardy English or lavandin types, ensuring perfect drainage, and protecting plants from winter’s harshest conditions.
With a little planning, you’ll soon enjoy the calming scent and stunning purple flowers that make lavender such a beloved addition to any Colorado garden.
So go ahead, grab a few ‘Phenomenal’ or ‘Munstead’ starts, and get ready to fall in love with growing lavender in Colorado.