Growing Healthy Lavenders
Here are some tips on growing lavenders that hopefully you will find helpful.
Some simple instructions that should have you growing healthy lavender plants without too much trouble.
- Lavenders grow best in loose well drained soil
- Lavenders grow best in full sun; although some people have success in cooler climes
- Lavenders are drought tolerant although they do need regular watering when young plants are being established
- Lavenders can be grown successfully in pots on the patio or as plants in the garden. They also grow well as hedges.
- Lavenders need pruning each year and should not be allowed to grow woody. Resist pruning until the new growth appears on the plant.
- Lavender hedges however will require pruning twice a year.
- It is recommended that pruning takes place after flowering and before the first frosts; to prevent damage to any new growth.
- Hard pruning is recommended and should prolong the life of your plant and produce more flowers
- Lavenders should be planted when the weather is warm in late spring/early summer as then there should be no risk of strong winds and frost to damage tender young plants
- Lavenders do better growing from cuttings or plants bought from reputable nurseries
- Although they can be grown from seed, this is not as easy as growing from cuttings and there can be a risk of cross pollination
- Can can be grown with minimal fertiliser or nutrients added, although some gardeners do add organic matter to the soil.
- Another favourite amongst some growers is to add potassium to deepen the colour of the lavenders and it has been noted in some cases this strengthens the plant stems.
- Lavenders thrive best in soils with a pH of 6-8 so it may be necessary to add lime to your soil as they do require an alkaline soil.
- Those plants grown in pots can be fed with slow release fertiliser
- When re-potting lavender plants be sure to add fresh fertiliser.
- Do not overwater potted plants as they will suffer root rot and you will probably lose your plant. The soil needs to be kept moist but definitely not wet or dried out.
- A sign that your plant is not getting enough water will be yellowed leaves, smaller stems and fewer flowers on your plant.
Hopefully these tips on growing lavenders, will see you grow healthy lavender plants that give you years of pleasure.
Being drought tolerant, needing little water and being low maintenance are very good reasons for growing lavenders in your garden.
Enjoy these aromatic herbs and happy gardening.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
A couple of questions – are there any very mildly-scented dwarf lavenders? And if there are, can they be grown indoors as house plants? I’d love to have a lavender indoors but hubby can’t stand the smell of them! I’m in the UK, btw.
I hadn’t realised they needed pruning… I wonder if that’s why most of the ones I’ve grown (outdoors, I mean) have failed. Some Lavenders seem to thrive without one doing much for them while some just give up and die. I find them really temperamental.
By the way, I’m over here via Mitch’s blog (I’m Just Sharing).
Hi Val
Thanks for stopping by. Wow I wrote this post awhile ago! How my blogging journey has grown. I lived and worked in the UK for many years and grew lavenders in a rockery as I had heavy clay soil in my home garden there.
I have never had a problem with growing them but I have had a few of my readers in different parts of the globe not be able to grow lavenders too.
Lavandula dentata should be okay to grow in a pot. Put in a sunny spot with good airflow. Good potting mix with lime and sand added. Allow to dry out between waterings. Perfume is more delicate than the English lavender. Love to hear how you go.
Patricia Perth Australia
Thanks, I’ll look out for that.
Hi Val
Did you manage to grow any lavenders in a pot. This is a very old post but I’ve just had another query and noticed you were going to look into this.
Patricia Perth Australia
Hi Patricia,
Do all of these tips work for different kinds of lavender? Also, which lavender do you recommend that is the easiest (I don’t have a green thumb) as well as a scent that would fill a room?
Victoria
Hi Victoria
Wow, I wrote this a long time ago. Have learnt heaps since then. Different types of lavender need different conditions to grow in.
Also, some have a stronger perfume and others that are actually lavandins don’t even have the typical lavender perfume.
I would need to know your climate conditions and what type of soil you have. Lavenders love free draining soil and most thrive in a hot dry climate. Although I did manage to grow different varieties in the UK when I was living there and they thrived.
If you let me know what soil you plan to plant your lavenders in, I will be able to suggest the best sort for your garden.
The English lavender (lavandula angustifolia) has the best perfume in my opinion. It is easy to grow in Mediterranean climates like we enjoy here in Perth.
They need little care once they established. I would only grow from plants from a garden centre as to grow from seed is very difficult, even for accomplished gardeners.
Hope that helps Victoria. Let me know if you need to know anything else.
Patricia Perth Australia