Does Lavender Grow In Colorado

Lavender grows beautifully in Colorado, and it’s actually one of the best states in the country for growing this fragrant herb.
 
If you’ve ever wondered “does lavender grow in Colorado,” the answer is a resounding yes, thanks to our sunny days, cool nights, and well-drained soils.
 
In fact, lavender thrives in many parts of Colorado, from the Western Slope to the Front Range.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why lavender grows so well in Colorado, the best varieties to plant, and how to care for it so it comes back year after year.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Lavender Grows So Well in Colorado

Lavender grows in Colorado because our climate mimics the Mediterranean region where this plant originated.
 
Here’s why it does so well here:
 

1. Plenty of Sunshine

Lavender needs at least six to eight hours of direct sun every day, and Colorado delivers that in spades.
 
With over 300 days of sunshine in many areas, lavender grows vigorously and produces abundant blooms.
 
That intense sunlight also helps the plant develop the fragrant oils that make lavender so prized.
 

2. Well-Drained Soil

Lavender hates wet feet, and Colorado’s rocky, sandy, and loamy soils drain quickly.
 
This is a huge advantage because soggy roots are the number one killer of lavender in other states.
 
If your soil is heavy clay, you can still grow lavender in Colorado by amending it with grit or planting on a slight mound.
 

3. Low Humidity

Our dry air is another reason lavender grows in Colorado so effortlessly.
 
Humid climates encourage fungal diseases like root rot and powdery mildew, which plague lavender growers in the South and Midwest.
 
Here, the dry conditions keep those problems at bay, so your plants stay healthy with minimal fuss.
 

4. Cool Nights

Lavender appreciates cooler nighttime temperatures, and Colorado’s high altitude provides that naturally.
 
Those cool nights help the plant rest and conserve energy, which leads to stronger growth and better blooms the following season.
 

Best Lavender Varieties to Grow in Colorado

Not all lavender is created equal, and some types grow better in Colorado than others.
 
Here are the top performers for our climate:
 

1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

English lavender is the most cold-hardy option and grows reliably in Colorado, even at higher elevations.
 
Varieties like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are compact, fragrant, and perfect for borders or containers.
 
They bloom from early to midsummer and often rebloom in late summer if you prune them after the first flush.
 

2. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

French lavender grows in Colorado in milder areas, but it’s less cold-hardy than English types.
 
It has distinctive toothed leaves and blooms nearly year-round in warm climates, though here it’s best treated as an annual in colder zones.
 
If you live in a warm pocket like Grand Junction, French lavender can survive the winter with some protection.
 

3. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

Spanish lavender grows in Colorado too, especially in warmer regions, but it’s the least cold-tolerant of the three.
 
Its striking “rabbit ear” blooms are a favorite for cut flowers and pollinator gardens.
 
Just be prepared to replant it each spring if you live in a cold part of the state.
 

4. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

Lavandin is a hybrid that grows vigorously in Colorado and produces tall flower spikes ideal for drying and essential oil.
 
‘Provence’ and ‘Grosso’ are popular choices that thrive in our sunny, dry conditions.
 
They’re slightly less hardy than English lavender but still perform well in most Colorado gardens.
 

How to Care for Lavender in Colorado

Once you know lavender grows in Colorado, the next step is keeping it happy.
 
Here are the key care tips:
 

1. Plant in Full Sun

Choose the sunniest spot in your yard, ideally a south-facing slope or raised bed.
 
Good air circulation around the plants also helps prevent disease.
 

2. Water Deeply but Infrequently

Lavender is drought-tolerant once established, so water deeply every two to three weeks during dry spells.
 
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal issues, and let the soil dry out between waterings.
 

3. Prune After Blooming

Prune lavender lightly after the first bloom to encourage a second flush and keep the plant compact.
 
In early spring, trim back any winter-killed stems, but never cut into the woody base, as it may not regrow.
 

4. Mulch with Gravel or Sand

Instead of wood mulch, use gravel or coarse sand around your lavender in Colorado.
 
This keeps the soil dry and reflects heat, which lavender loves.
 

5. Protect in Harsh Winters

In colder parts of Colorado, a layer of straw or a windbreak can help lavender survive the winter.
 
Just remove the covering in early spring so new growth isn’t smothered.
 

So, Does Lavender Grow in Colorado?

Lavender grows in Colorado, and it does so with remarkable ease thanks to our sunny, dry, and well-drained conditions.
 
Whether you choose English, French, Spanish, or lavandin varieties, you’ll find that lavender grows in Colorado gardens from the plains to the foothills.
 
With the right variety and a little care, you can enjoy fragrant blooms year after year.
 
So go ahead and plant some lavender in Colorado this season.