French lavenders are perennial plants that live for several years. The reason some people mistake French lavenders for annuals is that they grow them in a climate that is too cold for French lavender to survive winter and then have to replace the plant every year.
Is French lavender a perennial?
French lavender is also a very hardy perennial and drought tolerant, so good for use in xeriscaping. Cut back the whole plant by a third after flowering is finished to produce new growth.
How long does French lavender last?
around five years
French Lavender is said to be less hardy than its counterpart English Lavender (see our comparison below) and will generally last around five years.
Which lavender comes back every year?
Most lavender plants come back year after year and can live for up to 15 years or more. French and Spanish lavenders are more susceptible to frost damage and may not grow back after a harsh winter.
Should I cut back French lavender?
For best results, grow Lavandula stoechas in well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back the flower stalks after they have finished, and then trim back plants in April, if necessary.
How hardy is French lavender?
French lavender is less hardy compared to its relatives in the genus Lavandula . Only with luck will it survive temperatures below -5 °C. Therefore, you should think early on how to get your lavender over the winter so that it can continue to delight you with its flowers the following year.
How do you revive French lavender?
The only way to revive lavender that has been in the shade is to transfer it to a pot and place it in the sun as quickly as possible. Lavenders require sun all year round, including during the winter dormancy so plant the lavender in a nice open space that is not under a tree canopy or any other shade.
Can French lavender survive winter?
French lavenders will only survive winters with mild temperatures that only occasionally go lower as 10°C (50°F) at night. English Lavenders is the only species that is cold hardy and will tolerate frost (hardy to USDA zone 5).
What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
Prune for healthier lavender plants
An annual pruning is an important step for long-lasting lavender (Lavandula spp. and hybrids) plants. Without it they grow a large, lanky, woody base that can split open — it looks bad and shortens the plant’s lifespan.
Why is my French lavender going brown?
Lavenders turn brown is because of root rot. The symptoms of root rot are brown, foliage, stems and even flowers. The cause of root rot is because there is too much moisture around the roots of the lavender as a result of slow draining soil or over watering.
Why doesnt my lavender come back every year?
Lavender requires an annual prune to stay healthy and may not come back if it has been pruned too harshly or not been pruned properly for many years. All lavenders require well draining soil as they do not tolerate cold and damp soils in Winter.
Will my lavender plant come back after winter?
Lavender plants go dormant in the winter, and sometimes it takes them a while to show signs of life come spring. Always wait until at least May before deciding that a plant is dead! You don’t want to pull out plants pre-maturely.
Is my lavender dead or dormant?
Also, some people may think their lavender plant is dying when in fact it is dormant. Dormancy happens when temps cool and sunlight is less available. Dead lavender will have no sign of green but instead the branches will be brown and hollow.
How do you winterize lavender?
If your plant will be inside for the winter, keep it in a cool, non-freezing location with sunlight and air circulation. Slow down watering of plants. Lavender prefers a dry soil, and the amount of rain that naturally falls will be sufficient for the plant.
Do you cut the dead heads off lavender?
Proper pruning and deadheading of lavender plants will increase your harvest of flower spikes for dried flowers and make your plants more beautiful and healthy. Lavender benefits greatly from being pruned in mid-spring and deadheaded in the summer.
What is the difference between English and French lavender?
English lavender is typically the most appealing variety when it comes to scent and is similar to rosemary. French lavender has a stronger fragrance with more pine notes, making it a popular choice for cleaning and home products. No smell is “better” than the other, it is largely based on individual preference.
How do you look after French lavender in the winter?
To overwinter potted plants in areas that are too cold for French lavender, bring the pot indoors before the first frost. Keep the pot in a cool area with bright light. Water sparingly throughout the winter, only providing enough water to keep the plant alive.
Which is more fragrant French or English lavender?
English lavenders have a more powerful aroma then French lavenders and tend to be grown more commercial as a result. English lavender can tolerate cold winters (hardy to USDA zone 5) and grow better in mild acidity then French lavenders.
What is the strongest smelling lavender?
Lavandin
The most fragrant Lavender plants are the Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia). Several cultivars of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are also prized for their delightful scent. Lavandula x intermedia, also called Lavandin, is a hybrid cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia.
Why does my lavender plant look dead?
The most common reasons for a Lavender plant dying are improper watering, over-fertilization, acidic soil pH, diseases, pests, or inadequate sunlight. Careful inspection of the plant and growing conditions are essential to help identify and fix the issue.
Why is my lavender turning GREY?
Lavender can turn gray because of frost damage or as a result of a fungal disease, caused by over watering or slow draining soils. Usually the fungus botrytis spp is responsible for lavender leaves turning gray although there are a few pathogens that may cause lavenders to turn gray.