How To Grow Lavender In Colorado

You can grow lavender in Colorado successfully if you choose the right variety and give it the rocky, well-drained soil it craves.
 
Colorado’s high altitude, intense sun, and dry air actually mimic the Mediterranean conditions lavender loves.
 
The tricky part is our clay-heavy soil and cold winters, but once you fix those two things, growing lavender in Colorado becomes surprisingly easy.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow lavender in Colorado, from picking the best type to protecting it through winter.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Growing Lavender in Colorado Works So Well

Growing lavender in Colorado is a great match because this state shares a lot of similarities with lavender’s native home.
 
Here’s why it thrives here:
 

1. Plenty of Sunshine

Lavender needs at least six to eight hours of full sun every day.
 
Colorado gets more than 300 sunny days a year in many areas, which is basically a dream for lavender plants.
 
That abundant sunlight helps them produce more flowers and stronger fragrance.
 

2. Low Humidity

Lavender hates muggy, wet air because it encourages root rot and fungal disease.
 
Colorado’s dry climate keeps things crisp, so your lavender stays healthy with very little effort.
 

3. Cool Nights

Those cool Colorado nights help lavender rest and reset after a hot day.
 
This temperature swing is similar to what lavender experiences in the rocky hills of the Mediterranean.
 

4. Alkaline Soil (Sometimes)

Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil, and many parts of Colorado naturally lean that way.
 
Just test your soil first, because some areas are more acidic than you’d expect.
 

Choosing the Best Lavender for Colorado

Not all lavender is built for Colorado’s cold winters, so picking the right variety matters a lot.
 
Here are the best choices for growing lavender in Colorado:
 

1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

English lavender is the hardiest option and handles Colorado winters down to about Zone 5.
 
Varieties like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are compact, fragrant, and bloom beautifully from early to mid-summer.
 

2. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)

Lavandin is a hybrid that produces bigger plants and more flowers than English lavender.
 
‘Phenomenal’ is a standout choice because it’s tough, drought-tolerant, and survives cold snaps better than most.
 

3. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

Spanish lavender is less cold-hardy, so it’s better for warmer pockets along the Front Range.
 
You’ll likely need to treat it as an annual or grow it in a pot you can move indoors.
 

How to Plant Lavender in Colorado

Getting the planting part right sets you up for years of success with lavender in Colorado.
 
Follow these steps:
 

1. Amend Heavy Clay Soil

Colorado clay holds water like a sponge, and lavender roots rot fast in soggy ground.
 
Mix in coarse sand, pea gravel, or small rocks to improve drainage before you plant.
 
You can also build a raised bed, which is honestly the easiest fix for growing lavender in Colorado.
 

2. Aim for a Soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5

Lavender likes slightly alkaline soil, so test your pH and adjust with lime if it’s too acidic.
 

3. Plant in Full Sun

Pick a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sun, ideally more.
 
South-facing slopes are perfect because they warm up early and drain well.
 

4. Space Plants 12 to 18 Inches Apart

Good airflow between plants prevents disease and gives each one room to spread.
 

5. Water Deeply but Infrequently

Once established, lavender in Colorado needs very little water.
 
Water deeply every two to three weeks during dry spells and let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
 

Caring for Lavender in Colorado Year-Round

A little seasonal care keeps your lavender thriving through Colorado’s wild weather swings.
 

1. Prune After Blooming

Cut back about one-third of the plant after flowers fade, but never cut into the woody base.
 

2. Mulch with Gravel, Not Bark

Gravel mulch reflects heat and keeps moisture away from the crown, which prevents rot.
 

3. Protect Against Winter Wet

Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles can kill lavender faster than cold alone.
 
Good drainage is your best defense, so never let water pool around the roots.
 

4. Skip Heavy Fertilizer

Too much nitrogen makes lavender leggy and weak, so feed lightly in early spring if at all.
 

So, Can You Grow Lavender in Colorado?

You can absolutely grow lavender in Colorado as long as you pick a cold-hardy variety and fix your soil drainage.
 
With tons of sun, low humidity, and cool nights, this state is practically made for lavender.
 
Plant it in a sunny spot, keep the soil rocky and dry, and protect it from winter wetness.
 
Do that, and growing lavender in Colorado will reward you with fragrant blooms year after year.