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Lavender will grow in Minnesota, but it takes a little planning and the right variety to make it thrive.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “will lavender grow in Minnesota?” you’re not alone.
Lavender will grow in Minnesota because our summers are warm and sunny, which is exactly what this Mediterranean herb loves.
The catch is our cold winters, which can be tough on lavender if you don’t pick the right type or protect it well.
The short answer is yes, lavender will grow in Minnesota when you choose cold-hardy varieties and give it the right soil and winter care.
In this post, we’ll look at why lavender will grow in Minnesota, which varieties do best, and how to keep your plants happy through every season.
Let’s dig in.
Why Lavender Will Grow in Minnesota
Lavender will grow in Minnesota for a few solid reasons, and understanding them makes the whole process easier.
1. Minnesota Summers Are Lavender Heaven
Lavender is native to the rocky, sunny hillsides of the Mediterranean.
That means it craves heat, bright sun, and dry air.
Minnesota summers deliver warm temperatures and long sunny days that lavender absolutely loves.
When lavender gets six to eight hours of direct sun, it grows fast and produces those fragrant purple blooms.
Our summer climate is actually a great match for lavender as long as the soil drains well.
2. The Right Varieties Survive Minnesota Winters
The biggest question with lavender in Minnesota is winter survival.
English lavender varieties like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are the most cold-hardy.
These can handle temperatures down into USDA zone 5, which covers much of Minnesota.
If lavender will grow in Minnesota in your zone, these are the types to choose.
‘Phenomenal’ is another tough variety that handles cold and humidity better than most.
French and Spanish lavenders are less hardy and usually won’t survive a Minnesota winter outdoors.
3. Good Drainage Matters More Than Anything
Lavender hates wet feet, and that’s the real reason it sometimes fails in Minnesota.
Our heavy clay soil holds moisture, which can rot lavender roots.
If you want lavender to grow in Minnesota, amend the soil with sand or gravel, or plant in a raised bed.
Loose, gritty, well-draining soil is the secret to keeping lavender alive here.
When roots stay dry, lavender will grow in Minnesota season after season.
Best Lavender Varieties for Minnesota Gardens
Picking the right lavender makes all the difference in a Minnesota garden.
1. Munstead and Hidcote
These English lavenders are the gold standard for cold climates.
They stay compact, bloom beautifully, and handle Minnesota winters with some mulch protection.
If lavender will grow in Minnesota for you, it’s likely one of these two.
2. Phenomenal
‘Phenomenal’ was bred for tough conditions, including cold and humidity.
It’s a favorite for gardeners asking will lavender grow in Minnesota because it’s so reliable.
It also has strong disease resistance, which helps in our humid summers.
3. Grosso and Provence
These are lavandins, a hybrid group that’s slightly less hardy but grows big and fragrant.
They can work in Minnesota with heavy winter protection, though they’re a gamble in the coldest zones.
For most Minnesota gardeners, English lavenders are the safer bet.
How to Help Lavender Grow in Minnesota
Once you’ve chosen your plants, a few simple steps keep lavender thriving here.
1. Plant in Full Sun and Raised Beds
Full sun keeps lavender compact and productive.
Raised beds improve drainage, which is key since lavender will grow in Minnesota best when its roots stay dry.
A sunny slope or a bed against a south-facing wall works wonderfully.
2. Water Sparingly
Lavender is drought-tolerant once established.
Water deeply but let the soil dry out between watering.
Overwatering is the number one killer of lavender, so less is often more.
3. Prune at the Right Time
Light pruning after blooming keeps plants tidy and encourages new growth.
Avoid heavy pruning in fall, since that can leave lavender vulnerable to winter damage.
Wait until early spring to shape plants, once new growth appears.
4. Protect Roots in Winter
Mulch around the base with gravel or straw after the ground freezes.
This insulates roots without trapping moisture against the stems.
That extra protection is often what allows lavender to grow in Minnesota through the cold months.
So, Will Lavender Grow in Minnesota?
Lavender will grow in Minnesota when you choose cold-hardy varieties, plant them in well-draining soil, and protect them through winter.
Our sunny summers suit lavender perfectly, and with the right care, it comes back year after year.
So if you’ve been wondering will lavender grow in Minnesota, the answer is a confident yes, as long as you set it up for success.
Give it sun, give it drainage, and give it a little winter love, and your lavender will reward you with fragrant blooms all season long.