Lavender Container Care Tips On Growing Lavender In Pots

Place your container grown lavender plants somewhere they receive full sun (at least 8 hours per day) and water them sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but don't let it get so dry that the plant wilts. Lavender likes heat, and many varieties won't survive a cold winter.

How do you care for a potted lavender plant?

Lavender in containers is prone to overwatering. Your job is to keep soil consistently moist—don't let it dry out too much and don't keep it overly wet. Aim to let soil dry to a depth of 1 inch between waterings. Prune your lavender tree frequently, giving it a basic clipping to maintain the shape.

Does lavender do well in containers?

Small-growing Lavender cultivars are ideally suited for containers as they keep a reasonably compact and small form naturally. Larger Lavender varieties can also be grown in containers, but they will need to be either transplanted to the garden after a couple of years, or planted in a larger container.

Does lavender grow better in pots or ground?

Lavender also grows quite well in containers. In the Deep South, it actually does better in pots, as it benefits from improved drainage and air circulation. While the plants thrive in arid Western climates, they are usually considered annuals in the South.

What is the best potting mix for lavender?

One good potting mix for lavender contains equal parts by volume of soil, sand, perlite, and compost. Some add a few crushed egg shells to help keep a higher pH (alkaline soil) as they decompose. Fertilize sparingly. Containers allow lavender to be moved where it can most appreciated when in bloom.

What happens if you don't prune lavender?

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 potted lavender dying?

One of the biggest problems and causes of Lavender dying out is the overwatering of potted Lavender or excessive soil moisture for those plants grown in the ground. ... Over wet soil conditions leads to fungus and root rot problems. This can cause wilted black leaves where the plant is dying back.

How long does potted lavender last?

Lavender is a perennial and has been known to survive up to 15 years in home gardens. Longevity can be increase through many methods of lavender growing. Soil preparation, soil amendments, drainage, pruning, winter protection and proper harvesting can result in a life long lavender hedge.

Can lavender survive winter in pots?

They have to be moved indoors to survive the winter in colder zones. The good news is that lavenders are fairly compact plants that grow well in containers, which makes moving them between indoors and outdoors quite easy. ... Too much extra soil will just stay soggy, which these plants won't tolerate.

Is Lavender poisonous to dogs?

Lavender, the plant, does contain a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. The linalool is found in such small concentrations, however, that this is rarely an issue. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender.

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.
In colder growing areas, plants may need extra winter protection.

What can I plant next to lavender?

Some good plants to grow with lavender which share similar needs are:

Echinacea.
Aster.
Sedum.
Wild indigo.
Baby's breath.
Drought tolerant roses.

What do I do with my lavender plant in the winter?

Winter rains can rot improperly established lavender roots. Dig up the herbs, add sand or other organic matter to improve drainage, and replant the lavender.

Are coffee grounds good for lavender plants?

No. Coffee grounds are very high in acid and plants such as lavender and aloe do not benefit from them. ... Only use fresh grounds on acid loving plants and even then, do so sparingly.

What soil should I use for 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.

Do lavender plants come back every year?

Lavender is a perennial herb that continues to grow each year. ... Lavender is a woody perennial, so it does continue to grow from year to year, but the stems remain upright through the winter in preparation for new spring growth. With proper care and pruning, lavender will survive in the garden for years to come.

Should I deadhead lavender?

Deadheading. Cut off spent blooms to encourage more to form. However, you can leave them in place towards the end of the flowering season as food for seed-eating birds such as goldfinches.

Are you supposed to cut back lavender?

A. Unpruned lavenders tend to become woody and have decreased blooms. However, lavender should not be pruned during the winter. Unlike many perennial plants and shrubs that can be pruned now, it is best to wait to prune lavender until after bloom in spring or in early fall before any danger of frost.

How do you keep lavender from getting woody?

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.

What does Overwatered lavender look like?

Look for the following signs you are overwatering your Lavender Plant; Generally yellowing leaves, often affecting lower leaves first. Drooping despite getting plenty of water. A rotting smell from the soil can indicate root rot.

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.

How long do lavender plants last?

The plants are not terribly long lived. If you get three or four years out of them you will have done well, but they can be replaced relatively cheaply or propagated from semi-ripe shoot tip cuttings three or four inches long in midsummer.