Lavenders only spread by vegetation growth or by seed dispersal. Generally lavenders will grow as wide as they are tall. The maximum vegetative spread of lavender is around 36-40 inches (90 – 100 cm) for species such as ‘Hidcote Giant’.
What is the trick to growing lavender?
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.
How quickly does lavender spread?
Lavender is a slow grower and may take one to three months to reach transplanting size. The greatest threat to lavender seeds and seedlings is fungus. Keep soil mix moist, but provide good air circulation to help reduce disease outbreaks.
Does lavender spread when you plant it?
How much is it likely to spread? Lavender is a small shrub that usually grows 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. The height includes the flower stalks, so when not in bloom, the foliage may be only a foot tall. The plant does not spread as thyme, oregano, and other herbs tend to.
How do you help a struggle lavender?
Try to keep the soil as dry as possible for several weeks before watering again. Or, aerate the soil around the plants and add sand and gravel to improve drainage. If your lavender has root rot, pull the plant from the soil and trim off the affected roots.
What do you feed lavender plants?
Little feeding is required, although a sprinkling of potash around the base of plants will encourage more prolific flowering and improved flower colour. Don’t add bulky manure or high nitrogen feed as your lavenders in particular, will grow very sappy and flop open.
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.
Should lavender be cut back?
Lavender bushes need to be cut back every year to keep them from growing out of control. “Pruning lavender keeps it looking full, encourages new growth and flowering, and gives you lots of fresh tips to harvest throughout the season,” says Amy Fedele, a home gardening expert and Pretty Purple Door blogger.
Does lavender need a lot of water?
Lavender is drought-tolerant, which means mature plants don’t need to be watered all the time like your other garden plants. Too much water can leave them susceptible to root rot and fungal disease. Young, newly planted lavender does need regular watering until established (either by irrigation or adequate rainfall).
Does lavender need fertilizer?
Lavenders do not need additional feeding or fertilizing as they’re adapted to living in sandy, relatively low fertility soils in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Adding fertilizer will cause the lavender to produce fewer flowers, less fragrance and grow a leggy, untidy appearance.
Does lavender return 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.
How often should lavender be watered?
How to Care for Lavender. Water once or twice a week after planting until plants are established. Water mature plants every two to three weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest. (Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering.)
How far should lavender be planted apart?
Lavender plant spacing is species- and cultivar-dependent.
angustifolia (True Lavender) plants need a minimum of 2-3 feet between plants. Lav. X. intermedia (Lavandin) plants need a minimum of 3-4 feet between plants.
How do you keep lavender from getting woody?
Preventing Woody Lavender
Plant your lavender in well-drained, rocky soil, on a slope (if possible) to ensure drainage. Fertilize them lightly the very first year after planting. After that, do not fertilize regularly. Prune lavender lightly to maintain the rounded shape.
Why is my lavender drying up and dying?
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.
What does Overwatered lavender look like?
Overwatered lavender may have yellowing leaves, initially on the lower leaves. Dropping, a rotting odor, and of course sodden soil are also indicators of an overwatered lavender dying. Underwatered lavender will droop and the soil will feel completely dried out.
What’s the best fertilizer for lavender?
If your soil is acidic, add lime, because lavender likes a higher pH or alkaline soil. Fertilizers if you are organic: bone meal, blood meal or kelp. Be careful not to over water your plant. Initially, it needs a little water every day especially if it is hot outside.
Is Epsom salt good for lavender plants?
Yes, there seem to be good, relevant reasons for using Epsom salts for plants. Epsom salt helps improve flower blooming and enhances a plant’s green color. It can even help plants grow bushier. Epsom salt is made up of hydrated magnesium sulfate (magnesium and sulfur), which is important to healthy plant growth.
Is coffee grounds good for lavender plants?
Lavenders do not like acidic soils and so if your soil is acidic, ensure to add lime as lavenders prefer alkaline soil or a soil with higher pH. As a result of this, lavenders do not like coffee grounds.
What month do you prune lavender?
Prune right after the first flowering and again in late August after the last flush has faded. Cut off about 2/3 of the plant’s height or to just above the bottom two sets of leaves on each stem. Take care not to cut into the woody part of the plant which can cause damage.
Can I prune lavender in March?
March through May, early spring is the best time to prune. Remove any dead branches all the way down to the hedge bottom. (see image) Following a harsh winter season as seen during the winter of 2013-14 (see 2014 Winter Blog) you may want to prune the entire lavender bush down to the bare woody hedge.