Lavender is more than a pretty plant, featuring delicate grey-green leaves and striking pink and purple flowers. The pleasant aroma, tall spear shape of the stems, and fluffy vibrant blooms are ideal for placing around your foundation, borders, and in container gardens. Plus, it is no secret that when dried and displayed, the shrub has several herbal uses and aesthetic charm.
But if your lavender plant is suffering, whether you are growing it in a pot or your garden, there is a good chance you are making one of these common lavender growing mistakes. Learn what they are, how to fix them, and how to avoid them in the future.
Choosing the Wrong Variety
Many lavender varieties are available on the market, but they might not all be best suited to your climate. Some types are sensitive to cold, such as French lavender (L. dentata), which is hardy in zones 7 to 11, depending on the variety. Lavandula latifolia (Portuguese, spike, or broad-leaved lavender) prefers zones 6 to 9 (but can sometimes tolerate down to 5). On the other hand, English varieties (Lavandula angustifolia) are more cold-hardy, thriving in zones 5 to 8. Some English cultivars include white dwarf 'Nana Alba,' 'Twickle Purple,' and 'Loddon Blue.'
When shopping for lavender, choose a type that is best suited for your zone to ensure it thrives throughout the season. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is less susceptible to vascular wilts caused by humidity. Cold-hardy cultivars include 'Provence' (zones 5 to 8), 'Grosso' (zones 5 to 11), and 'Phenomenal' (zones 4 to 9).
Overwatering
Lavender grows best in dry soil; overwatering can harm its health and root system. While it is important to water lavender deeply in any climate, always allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The soil should never be wet or water-logged, as yellowing, wilting, or dying foliage is a sign your plant is suffering from overwatering.
As a general rule of thumb, apply ½ gallon of water every other week until the plant begins flowering. Then, water once to twice weekly until it is time to harvest. It is better to under-water than overwater since the plant is drought-tolerant, but the right amount of water ensures more blooms.
Consider the weather when adjusting your watering routine. If it is very hot and dry out, you might need to water more regularly. If it has rained a lot, you can skip watering. To determine if your plant needs a drink, stick your finger 2 inches below the soil surface. If it is moist, do not water; if it is dry, it is time to water!
Poor Soil Quality
The wrong soil can also contribute to overwatering, as too little drainage from clay soils and a lack of circulation can hold too much moisture around the roots. Sandy, loamy, well-draining soils are ideal for growing lavender. For the best results, apply 1 inch of compost and till it about 4 to 8 inches deep in the soil; It's a good way to improve aeration, drainage, and fertility.
The plant prefers neutral to alkaline soils with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. If your lavender is in the incorrect soil, remove it from the ground or its pot, brush away excess soil from its roots, and replant it in a more suitable location.
Forgetting to Prune
Pruning lavender in spring and summer helps the plant hold its shape. Without adequate pruning, your plant might become leggy or woody, affecting its ability to produce new blooms. Each summer, after blooming, clip the plants back to about half their size, shaping them to your preference. When new growth begins to appear in spring, shear away dead stems and the first set of green leaves on each stem to encourage healthy growth.
Over-feeding
Lavender does not require frequent fertilizing; fertilizing too often can result in browning leaves, stunted growth, and a white crust on the soil surface. Also, you might notice excessive foliage growth and a lack of flower production.
Before fertilizing, check the soil pH. If it does not fall around 6.0 to 8.0, you can amend it by mixing in compost or adding 10-10-10 fertilizer, using about ½ pound per 100 square feet. Only reapply if the soil pH is not around 6.0 to 8.0, as you want to avoid over-feeding.
Incorrect Placement
Lavender plants thrive in full sunlight, with at least eight hours per day, so placing them in a shady location can result in a lack of growth and blooms. Growing lavender in the shade can also make it more susceptible to wilts. Planting lavender in a container is a beneficial option if your yard doesn't get much sun. You can easily move the container around, providing your plant with as much sun as it needs.
Failing to Protect in Winter
Always plant lavender at least two months before winter; otherwise, the root system may not become established enough to survive a frost. Also, the plants must be cold-hardy in your area if you are leaving them outside. If not, be sure to bring them indoors for the winter in a location between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the plants can survive outdoors, top them with a layer of mulch to add insulation.
Love Your Lavender!
There are several lavender growing mistakes that might be affecting the health and growth of your lavender plants. Fortunately, you can usually fix the issue and prevent it from happening again. With the proper knowledge on caring for your lavender plants, you should have thriving, happy plants in no time!
Do you know anyone whose lavender plants are suffering? Send this article to them for a little extra help!