Lavender is a perennial that will last for several years under the right conditions. Because of its Mediterranean origin, lavender loves blazing hot sun and dry soil. If your lavender doesn't thrive, it's most likely due to overwatering, too much shade, and high humidity levels.
Lavender is a perennial so it will come back every year as long as you care for it properly, which includes giving it plenty of sun, a little bit of water, and a lot of love. If all of its needs are met, you can expect your lavender plant to bloom every year, for about three to five years.
English lavender species are hardy, so can survive outdoors throughout winter and tolerate frost. Whereas Spanish, French and Italian lavenders are not frost tolerant and will need to be transferred to pots and taken indoors over winter, if they're in a climate that receives regular frosts.
Lavender Plants in the Ground
Prepare plants for winter by pruning. Once harvesting has been completed for the season (ex. you have cut off all the lavender flower blooms), a light pruning to create a mound can help to minimize damage by snow. Cut the newer stems, but avoid cutting the woody part of the plants.
Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don't amend the soil with organic matter before planting. Lavender performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
The best time of year to plant Lavender is in early spring, ideally April, when the soil starts to become warm. This is unlike many other plants which we suggest planting in the autumn. Lavender prefers dry soil, and the cold and wet conditions of winter months would leave the plant vulnerable.
1. Lavender. A soothing favorite for centuries, lavender repels fleas, moths, mosquitoes, and many other insects. While oil extracted from the flowers makes an effective mosquito repellent, the plant itself can also ward off unwelcome insects.
(1) Prune lavender only in the spring, while the plant is still in winter dormancy or once green growth is noticed, but prior to bud formation, if possible (usually the month of May). Do NOT prune lavender in the fall in northern climates, as this may kill the plant. (2) Prune up to 1/3 the branch's length.
The peak bloom of lavender (Lavandula) is in the summer months from July to August. While the lavender in its original home, the warm Mediterranean region, opens its flowers already from May, we must unfortunately usually wait a little longer.
Lavender is toxic to dogs, especially when consumed. However, the scent can also cause respiratory symptoms in some dogs because they have a stronger sense of smell. Both the lavender plant and essential oils can be dangerous for your pet.
All lavenders are suited to growing in pots and can survive happily in containers, though the half-hardy types are best. They will grow at their optimum in terracotta pots filled with a light and well-draining potting mixture and put in the sunniest spot in your yard.
With proper care, lavender plants will survive for 10- 15 years. Lavender should be pruned every year after flowering. Shear back the plants to half its size to stimulate new growth and a bushier vibrant plant. Pruning and shaping will extend longevity and improves productivity.
Lavender benefits greatly from being pruned in mid-spring and deadheaded in the summer. -To deadhead: now is the time to remove faded flower stems just below the tips of the foliage. I like to nip the tips of the branches when I deadhead to stimulate lots of new branches that will eventually grow more flowering spikes.
Lavenders demand full sun, although afternoon shade may be appreciated in the hottest climates. Plants are very drought resistant once established, but will flower better if not allowed to dry out.
In winter, keep the containers fairly dry, maybe in a cold greenhouse or in the rain shadow at the base of a wall to keep off excessive rain, which will help improve the plants' tolerance to cold weather.
As when pruning other lavender varieties, simply trim around a third of the plant's growth after flowering in summer. However, do not cut the stems back too far, as this will expose them to too much frost over winter. Follow up with a harder prune in early spring, taking care not to cut into the dead wood.
If you're new to plant propagation, taking lavender cuttings in summer is a good way to start as they root easily and will provide you with lots of new plants for free. Choose non-flowered shoots of this year's growth and ensure that they're free from pests and disease.
Perennial plants, which include lavender, can be propagated, as a rule, quite simply by dividing the roots. To do this, in the spring (March-April) or fall (September), lift the root ball with a spade and divide it into two pieces. Then plant the parts again at a sufficient distance from each other.
Did you know that mature lavender plants are very easy to move to a new location? In spring and early summer, lavender are very tolerant of being transplanted! The key is to protect the roots as much as possible, and we will show you our method.
Even better, lavender plants repel animals from your yard and garden. Lavender keeps mice, mosquitos, and other common pests at bay. The intense fragrance deters the critter from the area, making it wise to grow in your yard or garden.
Does Lavender Repel Snakes? No scientific evidence supports it, but Lavender is widely considered to repel snakes. Its essential oils are somewhat similar to those of clove and cinnamon, although it might not be the most effective choice.
Lavender - there are many different types of lavender which will attract ladybugs and butterflies. Their spikes of lavender or blue flowers are also prized for their fragrance. Plant them as a hedge in your herb garden, in a mass in a waterwise landscape or in container gardens in full sun.