How To Grow Lavender In Pennsylvania

You can grow lavender in Pennsylvania successfully if you choose the right varieties and give them the sunny, well-drained conditions they crave.
 
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that loves hot, dry summers and rocky, alkaline soil, which is pretty much the opposite of Pennsylvania’s humid summers and heavy clay soil.
 
But that doesn’t mean growing lavender in Pennsylvania is impossible.
 
It just means you need to pick cold-hardy varieties and amend your soil so it drains fast.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow lavender in Pennsylvania, from choosing the best type to planting, watering, and overwintering your plants.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Growing Lavender in Pennsylvania Takes a Bit of Strategy

Growing lavender in Pennsylvania works best when you understand what the plant actually needs versus what Pennsylvania naturally offers.
 
Lavender wants at least six to eight hours of full sun, sandy or gravelly soil that drains in seconds, and low humidity.
 
Pennsylvania gives you cold winters, humid summers, and soil that often holds water like a sponge.
 
So the trick to growing lavender in Pennsylvania is fixing the soil and picking a variety that won’t die when temperatures drop below zero.
 

1. Choose Cold-Hardy Lavender Varieties

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is your best bet for growing lavender in Pennsylvania because it tolerates cold down to about -20°F.
 
Look for ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote,’ two of the hardiest cultivars that bloom reliably in Zones 5 and 6.
 
‘Phenomenal’ is another excellent choice that handles humidity better than most.
 
Avoid French and Spanish lavender, since they’re only hardy to Zone 7 and won’t survive a Pennsylvania winter.
 

2. Wait Until Late Spring to Plant

The best time to plant lavender in Pennsylvania is late May or early June, once the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed.
 
Planting in fall seems tempting, but young lavender needs time to establish roots before the ground freezes.
 
Give your plants the whole growing season to settle in.
 

3. Fix Your Soil Before You Plant

Growing lavender in Pennsylvania almost always requires amending heavy clay soil.
 
Mix in coarse sand, pea gravel, or horticultural grit to improve drainage.
 
You can also add a handful of lime to raise the pH, since lavender prefers soil between 6.5 and 7.5.
 
If your yard stays wet, build a raised bed at least eight inches tall and fill it with a gritty, sandy mix.
 

How to Care for Lavender in Pennsylvania

Once your lavender is in the ground, the care routine is simple, but a few habits make a big difference in Pennsylvania’s climate.
 

1. Water Deeply but Infrequently

Lavender hates wet feet, so let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
 
During a rainy Pennsylvania summer, you may not need to water at all.
 
If you do water, aim for the base of the plant and keep the foliage dry to prevent fungal issues.
 

2. Space Plants for Airflow

Humidity is the enemy of lavender in Pennsylvania, so give each plant about 18 to 24 inches of space.
 
Good airflow keeps moisture from lingering on the leaves and reduces the chance of root rot.
 
Mulch with gravel or crushed stone instead of wood chips, since organic mulch traps moisture against the stems.
 

3. Prune Twice a Year

Prune your lavender lightly in early spring to shape it and remove winter dieback.
 
Then prune again right after the first bloom fades to encourage a second flush of flowers.
 
Never cut into the woody part of the stem, because lavender won’t regrow from old wood.
 

4. Protect Plants Through Winter

Overwintering is the hardest part of growing lavender in Pennsylvania.
 
The problem isn’t the cold itself, it’s the freeze-thaw cycle that heaves roots out of the ground.
 
Cover your plants with a layer of straw or evergreen boughs after the ground freezes, and remove it in early spring.
 

Common Problems When Growing Lavender in Pennsylvania

Even with perfect care, a few issues pop up when you grow lavender in Pennsylvania.
 
Root rot is the number one killer, and it usually happens when soil stays soggy.
 
Leaf spot and powdery mildew can show up during humid spells, so prune for airflow and water at the soil level.
 
Spittlebugs and aphids occasionally visit, but a strong spray of water usually sends them packing.
 

So, Can You Grow Lavender in Pennsylvania?

You can grow lavender in Pennsylvania as long as you choose cold-hardy English varieties, plant in late spring, and give the plant soil that drains fast.
 
It’s not the easiest plant for a Pennsylvania garden, but with the right spot and a little patience, it rewards you with fragrant blooms every summer.
 
Pick ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote,’ build a raised bed if your soil is heavy, and protect the roots through winter.
 
Do that, and growing lavender in Pennsylvania becomes one of the most satisfying projects in your garden.