Lavender Care Guide
Lavandula, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is native to the Mediterranean region but is cultivated throughout much of the world. Lavender is prized for its fragrant flowers, silvery foliage, drought tolerance, and ornamental beauty.
Planting
Full sun is essential for the best growth and flowering. While lavender can survive with as little as four hours of sunlight daily, plants are healthiest and most productive in full sun.
Lavender prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.4 and 8.2. If soils are very acidic, adding lime may be beneficial.
Excellent drainage is critical. Lavender does not tolerate wet or soggy soil. Raised beds, slopes, rock gardens, or mounded rows are excellent planting locations. Adding compost or other organic matter can improve the drainage of both clay and sandy soils.
Good air circulation is especially important in humid climates to reduce fungal diseases. Space plants 2' to 3' apart and avoid crowding near structures or dense plantings.
Mulching
Avoid dark or moisture-retaining mulches, particularly in hot and humid climates. Wood chips and sawdust may encourage fungal problems around the crown of the plant.
A light gravel or coarse sand mulch works well for lavender. Research has shown that a 1"-2" layer of white sand or gravel can help reflect heat and light into the plant, improving flowering and reducing disease pressure.
Watering
Regular watering is important during the first growing season while plants become established.
Once established, lavender is fairly drought tolerant and prefers drier conditions. However, prolonged drought may reduce flowering, especially in repeat-blooming varieties.
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Allow soil to dry somewhat between waterings
- Avoid overwatering and wet winter soils
Pruning
Regular pruning helps maintain a compact, attractive plant.
- Prune lightly after flowering
- In spring, remove winter-damaged growth
- Avoid cutting deeply into old woody stems without green growth
- In colder climates, avoid heavy late-summer pruning, as tender new growth may winter-kill
Older woody plants may eventually decline and are often best replaced with younger plants.
General Growing Information
- Lavender performs best in dry air and sunny locations
- Avoid excessive fertilizer, especially high nitrogen fertilizers
- English lavender varieties are generally the most cold hardy
- Excellent for borders, herb gardens, pollinator gardens, and containers
When planted in full sun with excellent drainage, lavender is long-lived, drought tolerant, highly fragrant, and easy to grow.