Growing Lavender: Tips for a Flourishing Fragrant Garden

Lavender is an evergreen shrub that deserves a place in every garden. With its silvery or grey-green, scented foliage and spikes of colorful, fragrant flowers, lavender adds charm and beauty from July to September. Besides its aesthetic appeal, lavender attracts beneficial wildlife such as bees and butterflies, making it a garden favorite for nature lovers.

Choosing Lavender Varieties
The most commonly grown lavender species in gardens is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height, making it ideal for hedges. For those looking for shorter hedges or edging around beds and borders, compact varieties like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are perfect. These varieties typically feature flowers in shades of blue to purple, although white-flowered (‘Alba’) and pink-flowered (‘Rosea’) varieties are also available.

French lavenders (Lavandula stoechas and Lavandula viridis) offer a different floral display with showy bracts, often referred to as ‘bunny ear lavender.’ These varieties require a warm position, excellent soil drainage, and may need winter protection in colder climates due to their less hardy nature.

Planting Lavender
Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and a sunny location. The sunnier the site, the more intense the fragrance of both the foliage and the flowers. Lavender is versatile and can be planted in flower borders, beds, patios, containers, and even urban gardens and courtyards.

Caring for Lavender
One of the standout qualities of lavender is its drought tolerance. However, new plants need regular watering until they are established. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote soft, non-hardy growth. Instead, opt for a high-potash plant food to encourage flowering and strong growth.

Pruning Lavender
To maintain a bushy and flower-rich lavender plant, annual pruning is essential. For established English lavender, prune after flowering by removing the faded flower stalks and about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of the current year’s growth. Alternatively, a spring prune in April can help tidy up plants and encourage bushiness. Use shears for pruning rather than secateurs.

French lavenders should be pruned in mid-spring or after the first flush of flowers. It’s crucial to avoid cutting into old, leafless stems, as lavender does not shoot readily from old wood, and such pruning can kill the plant. Old, neglected lavender plants are best replaced, but consistent annual pruning should prevent them from becoming leggy.

Dealing with Lavender Pests and Diseases
While relatively hardy, lavender can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. The most common issues include:

Rosemary beetle: A pest that can damage lavender plants.
Root rot: Often caused by poor drainage or overwatering.

By ensuring good soil drainage and regular monitoring, you can keep these issues at bay and enjoy a thriving lavender garden.

Lavender is a delightful addition to any garden, offering beauty, fragrance, and a haven for wildlife. By selecting the right variety, planting in a sunny, well-drained spot, and maintaining annual pruning, your lavender plants will thrive and bring joy for years to come. Whether used for formal hedging, edging, or container planting, lavender’s versatility and charm make it a must-have for garden enthusiasts.

Happy gardening
Orlaith