The Ultimate Guide to Growing Lavender in Hot Climates

If you’re a fan of lavender’s beautiful flowers and delightful perfume but live in a hot or humid region, fear not! There are many varieties of lavender that thrive in these conditions, allowing you to enjoy this beloved herb regardless of your climate.

With over 450 varieties currently available, there are plenty of options for those in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 and above. From the beautiful Spanish lavender to versatile hybrid lavandins, there is a lavender variety perfect for your hot climate garden.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at 11 of the best lavender species, hybrids, and cultivars for hot climates. We’ll also provide valuable growing tips to ensure your lavender plants thrive in the heat.

Best 11 Lavender Species, Hybrids, and Cultivars for Hot Climates

Table of Contents

Bandera Purple
Compact Spanish lavender with dark purple flowers.
Hardy in Zones 7 to 10, ideal for hot and humid conditions.
French
Fringed lavender with deep eggplant flowers.
Perfect for hot, humid climates in Zones 8 to 11.
Goodwin Creek Grey
Hybrid lavender with long purple flower spikes.
Hardy in Zones 7 to 10, great for heat and humidity.
Grosso
Large lavender with deep violet flower spikes.
Thrives in hot, dry areas in Zones 5 to 9.
Hidcote
Classic English lavender with bluish-purple flowers.
Versatile option for hot, dry climates in Zones 4 to 10.
Madrid Lavish Purple
Ornamental lavender with ruffled rosy-mauve flowers.
Hardy in Zones 8 to 10, perfect for borders and containers.
Otto Quast
Purple-black lavender spikes ideal for hot, arid conditions.
Hardy in Zones 7 to 9, great for beds and borders.
Phenomenal
Lavender with purple-blue spikes and silvery-gray foliage.
Tolerant of heat and humidity in Zones 5 to 9.
Portuguese
Coarse lavender with tall spires of periwinkle blue flowers.
Hardy in Zones 6 to 9, resistant to heat and humidity.
Primavera
- Royal purple lavender spikes for hot, humid regions.
- Hardy in Zones 7 to 9, perfect for containers and gardens.
Provence
- Grape purple lavender spikes for hot and humid summers.
- Ideal for Zones 5 to 9, great for seating areas and gardens.

Growing Tips for Hot Regions

To ensure your lavender plants thrive in hot climates, consider the following tips:

Plant lavenders in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Ensure proper spacing for air circulation to avoid foliar problems.
Use a free-flowing mulch to retain soil moisture without oversaturation.
Provide shade for lavender plants during intense afternoon sunshine.

For a complete guide on planting and caring for lavender, check out our comprehensive lavender growing guide.

Plenty of Purple

Regardless of your climate, there is a lavender variety that will thrive in your garden. With full sun, well-draining soil, and proper spacing, you can enjoy fragrant lavender blooms all summer long.

Do you have a favorite lavender variety for hot climates? Share your recommendations in the comments below.

For more lavender tips and tricks, be sure to check out the following articles: