Lavender, with its stunning purple flowers and refreshing scent, is a garden favorite for many. Its versatility, from serving as a decorative plant to being used in aromatherapy and cooking, makes it a worthwhile addition to any garden. However, lavender can be somewhat finicky to grow, and many gardeners unknowingly make mistakes that can stunt its growth or damage the plant. If you’re serious about growing lavender, whether for ornamental purposes, harvesting its flowers, or for its aromatic oils, it’s essential to understand the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common lavender mistakes gardeners make, why they happen, and how to fix them for a flourishing lavender plant. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your lavender healthy and happy in your garden.
1. Overwatering Lavender
Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, which means it thrives in dry conditions and does not like sitting in waterlogged soil. Overwatering is the most common mistake lavender growers make. Lavender prefers well-draining soil and should only be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. When watered too often, lavender’s roots can become waterlogged, leading to root rot, a condition that can easily kill the plant.
How to Avoid Overwatering:
- Soil Check: Ensure the soil is dry before watering. Lavender doesn’t like to sit in moisture, so check the top few inches of soil before watering.
- Good Drainage: Plant lavender in well-draining soil or use raised beds or containers with good drainage.
- Watering Schedule: Water the plant once a week in the summer if it’s hot, but reduce the frequency in the winter or during periods of rain.
2. Planting Lavender in the Wrong Spot
Lavender loves sunlight and thrives in a location with full sun exposure. Planting lavender in a shaded area can result in weak growth, fewer flowers, and increased vulnerability to diseases and pests. Many gardeners also make the mistake of planting lavender too close to other plants that might block sunlight or crowd the roots.
How to Choose the Right Spot:
- Full Sun: Lavender needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. The more sun, the better.
- Avoid Shade: Keep lavender away from trees or large shrubs that might create shade, especially during the afternoon when sunlight is the strongest.
- Air Circulation: Lavender requires good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, so avoid planting it in areas where air doesn’t flow freely.
3. Poor Soil Conditions
Lavender isn’t very picky about the type of soil as long as it is well-draining, but many gardeners fail to ensure the soil meets these conditions. Lavender doesn’t like overly acidic or clay-heavy soil. It prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil, and it will thrive in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. If the soil is too dense or soggy, the roots may not be able to breathe properly, leading to poor growth and potential root rot.
How to Improve Soil for Lavender:
- Test Soil pH: Lavender prefers a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. If your soil is too acidic, amend it by adding lime to raise the pH.
- Add Sand or Gravel: To improve drainage, mix in sand or gravel if your soil is heavy or clay-based.
- Avoid Fertilizer Overload: Lavender isn’t a heavy feeder. Over-fertilizing can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
4. Incorrect Pruning Techniques
Pruning lavender is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive plant, but it must be done correctly. One of the most common lavender mistakes gardeners make is pruning too much or at the wrong time. Improper pruning can lead to leggy growth, fewer flowers, and even death of the plant.
How to Prune Lavender Properly:
- Prune After Blooming: The best time to prune lavender is after it has finished blooming, typically in late summer. Avoid cutting into the woody parts of the plant, as lavender doesn’t regenerate well from old wood.
- Shape the Plant: When pruning, shape the plant into a mound-like form. Remove dead or faded flowers, and trim back about one-third of the plant’s size.
- Avoid Cutting Too Low: Lavender doesn’t grow back well from old wood, so be sure to leave at least two-thirds of the plant intact when pruning.
5. Choosing the Wrong Lavender Variety for Your Climate
There are several different species and varieties of lavender, each with specific care requirements. One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is choosing a variety of lavender that’s unsuitable for their climate. While English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is cold-hardy, French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) are better suited to warmer climates.
How to Choose the Right Variety:
- Consider Your Climate: If you live in a cold climate, opt for English lavender varieties, which are more frost-tolerant. For warmer climates, French and Spanish lavender varieties are more appropriate.
- Check Hardiness Zones: Lavender is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, but it’s important to select a variety that can withstand the temperatures in your specific area.
6. Neglecting to Mulch
While lavender doesn’t need heavy mulch, a thin layer of mulch around the base can help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. However, many gardeners make the mistake of piling mulch around lavender, which can suffocate the roots, retain too much moisture, and lead to rot.
How to Mulch Lavender:
- Light Mulch: Use a light mulch such as small gravel or crushed stone, which helps keep the soil temperature stable and improves drainage.
- Keep Mulch Away from the Stem: Avoid piling mulch directly against the plant’s stem, as this can encourage rot.
7. Not Controlling Pests and Diseases
Lavender is generally pest-resistant, but it’s still susceptible to certain pests and diseases, especially when it’s stressed. Common problems include aphids, mealybugs, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Neglecting to monitor and control pests can cause long-term damage to your lavender plants.
How to Protect Lavender from Pests:
- Monitor Regularly: Check your plants regularly for signs of pests. Aphids and mealybugs are easy to spot and can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Provide Proper Spacing: Avoid overcrowding plants to promote airflow, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
- Treat Mildew Promptly: If you notice signs of mildew, remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
8. Underestimating Winter Care
While lavender is fairly hardy, it still needs proper care in winter, especially in colder climates. Many gardeners make the mistake of leaving lavender plants exposed to the harsh elements without protection.
How to Winterize Lavender:
- Prune Before Winter: Trim lavender back before the first frost, removing dead stems and foliage.
- Protect Roots: In colder climates, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Cover in Extreme Cold: If your region experiences extreme cold, consider covering the lavender with a frost blanket or burlap to shield it from the cold winds.
Conclusion
Lavender can be a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden, but it requires proper care and attention to thrive. By avoiding the common mistakes listed above, you can ensure your lavender grows strong, healthy, and productive year after year. With the right planting spot, soil, watering techniques, pruning, and pest control, your lavender will flourish, offering you beautiful flowers, a delightful fragrance, and endless joy throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!