by Chris Mulder, Barn Owl Nursery
There are a number of lavender varieties that can be grown in containers and left outside all year without protection in the winter months in regions that have mild winters. In general, the smallest and most compact growing English lavenders, Lavandula angustifolia cultivars, are hardy and can be grown outside all year long.
Most of them will survive outside in large containers over the winter months in Western Oregon. The smallest dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars and some of the most compact, shorter growing lavenders are the most suitable to grow in large pots and half wine barrels.
Container grown lavenders need to receive full sun. They require more care than lavenders grown in the ground. First, the containers need to drain well and to be filled with soil that drains well. The lavender plants need to be planted in containers that will allow them to grow to their full size.
Container grown lavenders do need to be watered and fertilized more often than lavenders grown in the ground.
Recommended English lavenders, Lavandula angustifolia cultivars for large pots or containers:
Semi-Dwarf (15-18″): Arctic Snow (white), Felice, Little Lady, Little Lottie (pink), Loddon Blue, Lullaby Blue, Nana, New Zealand Blue, Pastor’s Pride, Peter Pan, Thumbelina Leigh, Willow Pond Dwarf Blue Most
Compact (18-20″): Baby Blue, Betty’s Blue, Blue Cushion, Blue Mountain White, Cedar Blue, Fiona English, Hidcote, Hidcote Blue, Imperial Gem, Melissa Lilac, Miss Katherine (pink), Mitcham Grey, Munstead, Nana Atropurpurea, Opal Rain
