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How to grow lavender

The ultimate sensory delight in your garden. - by Charlie Albone
  • 03 Sep 2021

Everyone loves lavender and Charlie is no different. From that silvery foliage to the sweet fragrance, what’s not to love? 

WATCH: Charlie’s top tips for keeping your lavender happy and healthy

Growing lavender is extremely rewarding - not only does it have an intoxicating scent, but the delicate flowers look simply divine and are perfect for attracting bees to your garden. Full sunlight and well-draining soil are two of the most crucial things you’ll need to achieve in order to grow lavender successfully, whether you’re planting it in the garden, in a pot or even indoors. 

Although pruning lavender at least twice a year is a must, once established lavender becomes drought-hardy and requires very little maintenance.

...
Leigh Clapp

Climate

Lavenders thrive in warm, temperate climates, but also grow in cool and cold areas, depending on the variety. As natives of the Mediterranean, they ideally like their summers hot and dry, and winters cool. English lavender does not tolerate humid summers very well, but other lavenders will happily grow in areas of mild humidity. Frost tolerance varies with the species, so check plant labels before buying.

The best place to plant lavender

Plant in full sun and protect from strong winds. If there are spots in the garden that bask in the hot afternoon heat, plant lavenders – they will love it! However, lavenders will also grow in semi-shade, provided the soil conditions are met.

...
Leigh Clapp

Ideal soil conditions for lavender

Lavender plants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. If the soil does not drain well, consider raised garden beds or pots. Before planting, enrich soil with compost or manure. Where soils are strongly acidic, a dose of lime is beneficial.

Water

Once established, lavender is a drought hardy plant. An occasional deep soak during dry spells, however, will help them through the warmer months. Just don’t overwater – they don’t like wet feet.

Growing lavender in a pot

Lavender will thrive in a container as long as three conditions are met. Firstly, the pot must have enough drainage holes. Secondly, the potting soil needs to be well-draining. Lastly, the pot needs to be in a position to receive as much sunlight as possible. Water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week - depending on weather conditions. 

...
Leigh Clapp

Fertiliser

Feed regularly through the flowering season with a liquid fertiliser. After flowering, feed with a general purpose, slow-release fertiliser.

Maintenance

Remove spent flowers and trim lightly after flowering. Once plants are established, trim them back by up to one-third. This will help rejuvenate the plants and encourage growth. If you ever decide you need more lavender in your life, try propagating lavender from cuttings after a routine pruning. 

...
Leigh Clapp

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Charlie Albone
Charlie Albone
Charlie has worked internationally and in Australia for the past 17 years, designing and building gardens that are timeless, inspiring and enjoyable to spend time in. In 2015 and 2016, he was awarded two Silver gilt medals for his own gardens at the world’s most prestigious flower show The Chelsea Flower Show.

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