Lavender - Where to plant

Popular Plants - Lavender guide (part 2)

Where to plant lavender

As with most plants, lavender is all about location, location, location for best results.

•  full sun
•  Well drained soil
•  Avoid clay soils, or use a raised bed or large containers
•  Pebbles, sand, mixed lime and composted manure are all suggested additions when planting lavender - especially in bulk.

Lavender is traditionally a mediterranean plant, so be aware it will appreciate a spot which offers full sun. Lavender is a fan of dry heat, and once established will need very little care and attention, and also very little watering once established.

The actual art of planting lavender is quite simple, however the distance to plant lavender is always a tricky decision for every gardener. Of course there is no right or wrong answer, and it would also depend on variety, the size of the lavender plant you are planting, and the reason why you are planting it. For hedges I would recommend leaving a foot between each plant (9cm plants - 2 year hedge, 1 litre - 1 year hedge). Specimen lavender (in pots larger than 3 litre / 18cm) will be near their full growth, and are easier to estimate planting distance.

lavender - water and care guide

Popular-plants lavender guide (part 1)

Water and Care guide

When you receive your lavender plants they will be in plastic nursery pots, it is advised to water well, and let them soak for at least 45 minutes before planting. Create holes for the plants to be placed into, and lightly cover the roots with soil, trying not to leave gaps (air holes) but also not to compact the soil too much so the roots can develop.

 Lavender doesn't mind somewhat dry soil once established, too much water can cause root rot. Spread mulch around the base of your lavender plants to help keep weeds from growing. In the autumn, two to three weeks before the estimated hard frost, prune back one third of each lavender plant. This will help to prevent overgrown branches which can break and will ensure a nice full healthy plant the next spring. Do not use insecticide on lavender. It does quite well as long as it is kept well drained, due to its naturally strong essential oils which deter deer and many insects.

 Also very importantly, do not use grow more, or other common feed - lavender will not appreciate this, and will most probably not survive such treatment.