Question about Lavender

[Eurobabe]

Is it better to leave lavender to the elements in the winter, or cover it with some leaves? I live near the mountains in Germany, so we do get alot of snow. I think the hardiness zone is 6.

Thanks -48%er

[bleedingheart]

1. leave it alone

I have lavendar and I don't do anything with it. Just don't cut into it. It winterizes itself.

In the spring, after the hard frosts, do any shaping you need to do and cut dead growth out...it will be fine.

[Eurobabe]

2. thank you, I had to leave 2 huge 4 y/o bushes behind in OH

and it made me sick. I had dug them up and carted them from VA when we sold our house. I had to leave them in OH, no house to move them to in US. So starting from scratch again, with a 6" Hidcote, I think.

Only consolation is that perhaps next year I will get to France to see the endless fields of lavendar. :))

[japple]

3. Lucky you. I am green with envy. It must smell like heaven

there in Provence (isn't that where they grow so much?)

[Eurobabe]

4. I live in Germany, and unfortunately have not made it to

Provence when the lavender is in bloom. But I am planning my trip for next summer, and will take lots of pictures!! Unfortunately won't be scented.

There is lavender EVERYTHING over there, lavendar honey, soaps, parfum, etc. It is a heavenly smell. I plan to line the patio with plants in containers this coming spring. :)

[Ecumenist]

5. Hey 48!!

Unless I miss my mark, Lavender is fairly easy to grow..Just make sure that under no circumstances, you over water it. They HATE their feet wet. I'm in northern California and as you can well surmise, Lavender grows like a weed here...

[japple]

6. I'm looking for white lavendar plants this year. The blue

ones I planted 2 yrs. ago and last year are starting to mound nicely.