Will Lavender Grow In Colorado

Lavender will grow in Colorado, and it actually thrives in many parts of the state once you pick the right variety and location.
 
The key is understanding Colorado’s unique climate and choosing a lavender type that matches your specific growing zone.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether lavender will grow in Colorado, the short answer is yes, but with a few important caveats.
 
Colorado’s high altitude, intense sunlight, and dry air create both opportunities and challenges for lavender growers.
 
In this post, we’ll explore whether lavender will grow in Colorado, which varieties work best, and how to set your plants up for success.
 

Will Lavender Grow in Colorado? Yes, Here’s How

Lavender will grow in Colorado because the state’s climate actually mimics the Mediterranean conditions this plant loves.
 
Lavender is native to rocky, dry hillsides in southern Europe, so it craves sunshine, sharp drainage, and low humidity.
 
Colorado delivers all three in abundance, which is why lavender will grow in Colorado gardens from Grand Junction to Colorado Springs.
 
That said, not every spot in Colorado is lavender-friendly, and not every lavender variety will survive your local winters.
 
Here’s what makes lavender grow well in Colorado and what you need to watch out for.
 

1. Colorado’s Dry Climate Is Perfect for Lavender

Lavender hates wet feet, and Colorado’s low humidity and fast-draining soils keep its roots happy.
 
Unlike humid climates where lavender struggles with root rot, lavender will grow in Colorado because the air stays dry most of the year.
 
That dry air also reduces fungal diseases that plague lavender in places like the Southeast.
 

2. Intense Sunlight Fuels Strong Growth

Lavender needs at least six to eight hours of direct sun, and Colorado’s high altitude means sunlight is even more intense.
 
This abundant sunshine helps lavender will grow in Colorado with compact, bushy habits and heavy blooms.
 
Just be aware that reflected heat from walls or pavement can stress plants, so give them a little breathing room.
 

3. Altitude and Cold Hardiness Matter

Colorado’s cold winters are the biggest hurdle, especially above 7,000 feet.
 
English lavender varieties like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are the most cold-hardy, surviving down to USDA zone 5.
 
If you garden in the mountains, lavender will grow in Colorado more reliably if you choose these tough English types.
 
French and Spanish lavenders are less cold-hardy and may not survive harsh Colorado winters.
 

Best Lavender Varieties for Colorado Gardens

Choosing the right variety is the single biggest factor in whether lavender will grow in Colorado for you.
 
Here are the top performers for Colorado’s climate.
 

1. ‘Munstead’ English Lavender

‘Munstead’ is a compact, reliable English lavender that handles cold and drought beautifully.
 
It blooms early with deep purple flowers and performs well across most of Colorado.
 

2. ‘Hidcote’ English Lavender

‘Hidcote’ is another cold-hardy classic with silvery foliage and rich violet blooms.
 
It’s a favorite in Colorado because it tolerates alkaline soil better than many other lavenders.
 

3. ‘Phenomenal’ Lavender

‘Phenomenal’ is a hybrid known for incredible winter hardiness and heat tolerance.
 
If you’re wondering whether lavender will grow in Colorado at higher elevations, this is one of your best bets.
 

4. ‘Grosso’ Lavender

‘Grosso’ is a French hybrid that does well in warmer parts of Colorado like the Western Slope.
 
It’s less cold-hardy, so it’s best for zone 6 and above.
 

How to Plant Lavender in Colorado for Success

Even though lavender will grow in Colorado, how you plant it makes a huge difference.
 
Follow these steps to give your lavender the best start.
 

1. Amend Heavy Clay Soil

Many Colorado soils are heavy clay that holds water, which lavender despises.
 
Mix in coarse sand, pea gravel, or small pine bark fines to improve drainage before planting.
 

2. Plant on a Slight mound or Slope

Planting lavender on a small mound or slope helps water drain away from the crown.
 
This simple trick dramatically improves how well lavender will grow in Colorado.
 

3. Water Deeply but Infrequently

Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers deep, occasional watering.
 
Overwatering is the number one reason lavender fails in Colorado gardens.
 

4. Add Gravel Mulch, Not Wood Chips

Gravel or crushed rock mulch keeps the soil dry and reflects heat, which lavender loves.
 
Avoid moisture-retaining wood mulch, which can cause crown rot.
 

So, Will Lavender Grow in Colorado?

Lavender will grow in Colorado, and with the right variety and planting strategy, it can thrive for years.
 
The state’s dry air, intense sun, and well-draining soils suit lavender far better than most gardeners expect.
 
Just pick cold-hardy English varieties, plant them in gravelly soil, and go easy on the water.
 
Do that, and you’ll soon have fragrant purple spikes proving that lavender will grow in Colorado beautifully.