There’s something truly special about lavender. Its silvery-green foliage and iconic purple spikes not only create a stunning visual in the garden but also fill the air with a calming, classic fragrance. While it often looks like a delicate plant, lavender is surprisingly tough when given the right conditions. Getting those conditions right is the secret to a thriving, fragrant plant that will reward you for years to come. If you’re wondering how to care for lavender, the key is to mimic its native Mediterranean environment.
The Golden Rules of How to Care for Lavender
Success with lavender boils down to three non-negotiable needs: sun, soil, and space. Lavender is a sun-worshipper and needs a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to grow full and produce abundant blooms. The soil is perhaps the most critical factor. It must be very well-draining. Lavender despises “wet feet,” and its roots will quickly rot in heavy, waterlogged clay. If your soil isn’t naturally sandy or gritty, amend it with plenty of compost and some coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage. Finally, give your plants plenty of space for air to circulate around them, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Watering and Feeding Your Plants
When it comes to water, think moderation. Once established, lavender is incredibly drought-tolerant. Water young plants regularly to help them get settled, but then taper off. Mature plants prefer to dry out completely between waterings. A deep, infrequent soak is much better than frequent, light sprinklings. As for food, lavender isn’t a heavy feeder. In fact, too much fertilizer can lead to leggy growth with fewer flowers. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring is usually all it needs.
The Importance of a Good Prune
Pruning is essential for keeping your lavender looking neat and preventing it from becoming woody and sparse in the center. The best time to prune is right after the main flowering has finished. Using clean, sharp shears, trim back the flower stalks and about a third of the current year’s green growth. Avoid cutting back into the old, woody stems, as these often won’t regrow. A gentle shaping again in early spring can also help encourage a bushy form for the coming season.
By providing plenty of sun, excellent drainage, and a yearly prune, you’ll find that caring for lavender is a simple and joyful process. This resilient plant will thrive with a little bit of thoughtful attention, filling your garden with beauty and fragrance season after season.
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