Growing Lavender in Containers in Canada
A pot gives lavender the drainage most Canadian soils cannot, and lets zone 3 gardeners grow it at all. The catch is winter.
Growing lavender in containers solves the problem that kills most lavender in Canada: wet soil. A pot of gritty mix drains far faster than clay, and the University of Minnesota Extension says that in Minnesota lavender is best grown in containers or with winter protection.
The trade-off is the cold. The Royal Horticultural Society notes that plants in containers are always more susceptible to cold, because their roots are less insulated than in the ground.
Lavender in pots at a glance: a pot about 30–40 cm across with drainage holes; a mix with coarse grit, up to about a quarter by volume; full sun; water regularly in summer, keep it fairly dry in winter; overwinter in a cool, sheltered spot such as an unheated garage in the coldest zones.
Pot and Mix
The RHS recommends large containers, 30 to 40 cm in diameter, and a potting mix with lots of coarse grit, up to about 25 percent by volume, to improve drainage. Make sure the pot has holes, and raise it slightly on feet so water can escape.
| Choice | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pot size | 30–40 cm across | Room for roots; holds less risk of drying out in a day |
| Drainage | Holes, raised on feet | Water must never sit in the base |
| Mix | Potting mix plus coarse grit, up to about 25% | Fast drainage, lean conditions |
| Feeding | Little or none | Lavender prefers lean soil |
| Variety | Compact English lavender | Hardiest; fits a pot |
Choose a compact English lavender for a pot. Our growing lavender in Canada guide lists the hardy varieties. Tender French and Spanish lavenders also grow well in containers, but the RHS says these less hardy types need to be kept frost-free over winter.
Sun and Water
Give the pot full sun: at least six hours a day, on a south- or west-facing deck or balcony. In summer, containers dry out quickly, and the RHS says to water regularly in hot weather when the mix begins to dry. In winter, keep containers fairly dry.
Winter: The Two-Zones-Colder Rule
A plant in a pot is exposed to cold air on every side. A working rule of thumb many gardeners use is that a container behaves roughly two hardiness zones colder than the same spot in the ground. It is an approximation, not a measurement, but it explains why a lavender that survives in your border can die in a pot beside it. Our balcony garden guide explains the rule.
- Mild zones (6 and up): move the pot to a sheltered spot against the house, out of the worst wind and winter rain, as the RHS suggests.
- Zones 4–5: group pots against a wall, raise them off the ground, or move them into an unheated garage or porch for the coldest months.
- Zone 3 and colder: store the pot in an unheated garage, cold room or enclosed porch after frost: cold enough to stay dormant, sheltered from the extremes. Water just enough to keep it from going bone-dry, then move it back outside in spring.
Avoid bringing an English lavender into a warm, dim living room for winter. It needs a cool, bright rest, not a houseplant’s conditions.
Pruning a Potted Lavender
Prune it the same way as one in the ground: a spring shape-up into green growth once new shoots appear, and a light trim after flowering. See how to prune lavender. Repot into fresh gritty mix every couple of years in spring, and replace a plant that has become woody and bare.
Pets
NC State Extension flags lavender as a problem for cats and dogs. A pot on a deck or balcony is easy to reach, so keep it away from pets that chew plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lavender grow in pots in Canada?
Yes. A pot of gritty mix gives lavender the drainage many Canadian soils lack. The catch is winter, because roots in a pot are much less insulated than in the ground.
What size pot does lavender need?
The RHS recommends containers about 30 to 40 cm in diameter, with drainage holes and a mix containing up to about 25 percent coarse grit.
How do I overwinter lavender in a pot?
In mild zones, move it to a sheltered spot against the house. In the coldest zones, store it in an unheated garage, cold room or enclosed porch, and water just enough that it does not dry out completely.
How often should I water potted lavender?
Regularly in hot summer weather, whenever the mix starts to dry. In winter, keep it fairly dry. Wet mix in cold weather leads to root rot.
Can I keep lavender indoors in winter?
English lavender is better in a cool, bright, unheated space than in a warm, dim living room. Tender French and Spanish types need a frost-free place.
Is lavender safe for pets?
NC State Extension flags lavender as a problem for cats and dogs, so keep potted lavender out of reach of pets that chew plants.