Planting lavender in front of your house is a great way to add texture and color to your landscaping. Lavender is a perennial plant, so it will bloom each year and be a beautiful accent in your yard.
Before you get started, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil so that your lavender is happy and healthy. Make sure the spot you choose has at least six hours of full sun and use a soil testing kit to ensure the soil drains freely.
If the soil is too dense, you can amend it with sand and/or compost.
Once you’ve picked your spot, you can start to plant your lavender. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s container. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole.
Spread the roots outward before filling the hole with soil and gently pat down. Give the plant a good drink of water and consider adding a layer of mulch around the base.
If you love the look of lavender but don’t want to put in the work of planting, consider planting lavender in pots. Place them near your front door or along your walkway for a bright and fragrant reminder of your gardening efforts.
Now that your lavender is planted, enjoy the benefits all year long. Lavender’s fragrant flowers and foliage make it a great asset to your garden and the bright blooms will attract honeybees and hummingbirds.
Plus, it’s easy to maintain since the shrubs only need to be pruned back once a year. With a little bit of effort, you’ll have lavender in front of your house for years to come.
Where should I not plant lavender?
Lavender is a delicate plant that requires warm, dry climates with plenty of sunlight, so it should not be planted in wet, shade-rich environments. In addition, lavender does not do well in acidic soil with a pH of 6.
0 or lower and is sensitive to phosphorus levels in the soil, so it is best to avoid areas with heavily fertilized soil. Additionally, lavender is vulnerable to frost and cold temperatures, so it should not be planted in high-altitude areas, areas prone to extreme swings in temperature, and areas with cooler climates (such as coastal areas).
Finally, while a well-drained soil is generally best for lavender, if the draining is too fast (for example in soil with a lot of rocks) lavender may not be able to root adequately and thrive.
Is lavender good for your yard?
Lavender is definitely a great choice for your yard, as it has many benefits that can really bring life and colour to any outdoor space. Lavender is low maintenance, deer-resistant, and provides a wonderful scent and burst of colour to your yard.
It’s highly fragrant and an excellent way of attracting and keeping pollinating insects around your garden. Lavender is an ideal choice for a sunny area and can help provide a great habitat for wildlife.
It also has great medicinal properties, which may help soothe cuts, burns and dry skin. Lavender can also provide a beautiful backdrop in any garden and is also popular among many landscapers thanks to its easy maintenance and overall hardiness.
What bugs does lavender keep away?
Lavender is a popular plant known for its relaxing properties, but it is also known for its effectiveness in keeping away bugs. Specifically, lavender is known for its ability to deter moths, flies, fleas, and mosquitos.
The fragrance of the plant is thought to be unappealing to these bugs, and so it can be used to repel them in a natural and nontoxic fashion. This is why lavender essential oil is often used in natural bug repellents.
The scent of lavender is also thought to be beneficial for keeping away certain pests from gardens, such as rabbits. By planting lavender around the perimeter of a garden, it can help keep rabbits away.
What animals are attracted to lavender?
Lavender is known to attract many types of beneficial insects and animals, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bees are especially attracted to the fragrant oils of the plant, which they use to create honey.
Butterflies are also drawn to the colorful and fragrant flowers of lavender and can often be seen flitting around its blooms. Hummingbirds, too, may be seen drinking nectar from lavender blossoms. Other animals, such as rodents, rabbits, and deer, may be attracted to the plants as a food source.
In this way, lavender can help attract a variety of creatures to a garden, making it a great addition to a nature-friendly landscape.
Do lavender plants spread?
Yes, lavender plants spread over time if they are left unchecked. They form clumps as they mature, so if not crowded by other plants, it will spread. Although they don’t take over or overpower a garden, they also spread through a process called layering.
This happens when stems that come into contact with the ground and take root, forming new plants. The best way to prevent them from spreading too much is to cut any stems that come in contact with the ground, and to deadhead flowers.
Deadheading is the practice of cutting off spent blooms, which directs the energy of the plant into creating more flowers rather than more plants. Lavender does also self-seed, so you may find many more than you originally planted.
Finally, it’s best to divide lavender plants every few years to keep them from becoming too large, which also stops them from spreading too much.
Does lavender come back every year?
Yes, lavender typically comes back every year if it is planted in the right conditions. The plant is a perennial, which means it comes back year after year, but it is especially important to plant lavender in an area that is well-drained, exposed to full sun and where the soil can retain some warmth.
Lavender also prefers alkaline soils, so if this condition is not available in the area, applying lime to the soil can often be beneficial. When planted in these ideal conditions, the plant is quite hardy and generally returns year after year.
It is important to note, however, that lavender can die in temperatures lower than 0°F, making it vulnerable in cold winter climates. In these instances, it is important to mulch lavender over the winter and/or focus on planting varieties that are more cold-hardy, such as English lavender.
What do you put around lavender plants?
Lavender plants are hardy and forgiving, but they do need some special care in order to thrive in your garden and provide you with beautiful blooms. To ensure that your lavender plants remain healthy, you should begin by putting high-quality, well-draining soil around your plants.
You can amend the soil with sand and/or compost if needed for added drainage. You should also water lavender plants about once a week or when the soil is dry about 1 inch below the soil surface. If you live in a hot or windy area, be sure to provide the lavender plants with plenty of mulch, such as pine needles, compost, or bark, to help retain moisture in the soil.
If you live in an area with heavy rains, be sure to keep the soil around your lavender plants well-drained in order to prevent root rot. Once the lavender plants are established, consider adding a low fence or edging around your plants to contain them and prevent them from spreading too far.
Lastly, for best performance and growth, lavender plants should be pruned each year to encourage new, healthy growth.
What flower goes well with lavender?
The best flowers to pair with lavender are those that compliment the deep purples and blues of the lavender. Choices like Gerbera daisies, saladago (also known as statice) and campanula will stand out nicely against the lavender and create a beautiful contrast.
Other options include daisies, delphinium, larkspur and liatris. These will add a softer, more muted look since they come in colors like white, pale yellow, pink and cream. Lastly, caspia and forget-me-nots can be a great way to bring in a hint of blue and add that extra something special to an arrangement.
Can lavender be used as a border?
Yes, lavender can be used as a border in many outdoor settings. Lavender is an evergreen that also blooms with delicate, fragrant flowers and boasts a pleasing scent when brushed against or when its leaves are crushed.
Thus, it adds a sensory dimension to any garden or landscape. Its low height and bushy growth also makes it an ideal, natural border for any yard. For a particularly grown-up look, lavender can be planted in neat rows to create a subtle, but effective divide in the garden.
Consider using it to line a garden bed, or to create a low wall if planting in pots. All in all, using lavender as a border is a natural choice for any outdoor space.
How do you make a lavender border?
To make a lavender border, you will need the following supplies: a ruler, a pencil, scissors, lavender-colored cardstock, and craft glue.
First, measure the area you wish to cover with the lavender border and add 1 to 2 inches to the measurements. Cut the cardstock to the larger measurements.
Next, use the ruler and pencil to draw a line lightly on the back of the cardstock, creating a border that is ½” wide. Cut the border out using scissors.
Once you have cut the borders, use craft glue to adhere the strips of cardstock to the edge of the wall. Place the border along the top of the wall first, then place strips of the border along the sides and bottom.
When the glue is dry, you can enjoy the look of your lavender border!.
Can you plant lavender close together?
Yes, you can plant lavender close together. Lavender thrives in well-draining soil and in full sun, so it can be planted close together. Make sure to create a plan for your garden layout and to properly space your plants to allow for adequate air circulation and healthy growth.
Additionally, lavender is an evergreen shrub, so it can become overcrowded if planted too close together. To avoid this situation, make sure to give your lavender plants at least 12 inches of breathing space between one another.
When properly cared for, lavender planted close together will have plenty of room to grow and will look beautiful in any garden!.
How late can I plant lavender?
The best time to plant lavender is in fall or early spring when temperatures are moderate and there is plenty of moisture in the air. However, you can plant lavender as late as the summer in some climates.
If planting in the summer, make sure to pick a spot that has good drainage, provide ample irrigation, and mulch well. It is best to plant lavender in well-drained, organically rich soil, and wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting, as lavender dislikes wet and cold soil.
Planting lavender directly in the ground or in a large container can be successful as long as the soil is well draining.
When planting lavender, it is important to keep in mind that it is a sun-loving plant that needs at least 6-8 hours of full sun in order to grow well and flower profusely. Make sure to dig the holes deep and wide enough for better-developed root systems.
As lavender is a shallow-rooted plant, it’s important to water deeply and often. Pay close attention to its water needs, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
Is it better to plant lavender in the spring or fall?
It is generally recommended to plant lavender in the spring. This is because spring is the best time for plants to establish themselves – during a season of warm, not too wet weather, lavender has the best chance of establishing itself quickly and developing a strong root system.
Additionally, spring is the perfect time of year for lavender to begin to flower and show off its beauty. If you wait to plant your lavender in the fall, it may not have enough time to properly settle in and develop.
However, if planting in the fall is your only option, you can still give your lavender a fighting chance of establishing itself by providing it with plenty of water when the temperatures drop and by covering it with a layer of mulch.
Are lavender plants easy to grow?
Overall, lavender plants are relatively easy to grow, especially for novice gardeners. Lavender plants prefer direct sunlight, but will tolerate partial sunlight, and should receive 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.
They thrive in well-drained soil, and should not be planted in overly moist soil. Lavender also needs a high percentage of sand in its soil, so you may have to amend your soil to make sure it has the ideal pH balance and adequate drainage.
When planted in a sunny, well-drained location, lavender can thrive for years. They are also resistant to many common pests and diseases and can tolerate mild winters and dry periods. Lavender needs to be trimmed after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
In addition, it should be watered regularly during the summer months, preferably in the morning, and require minimal fertilizing. With the right care and environment, lavender plants can be easy to grow and maintain over time.
Are lavender roots invasive?
No, lavender roots are not generally considered invasive. While the roots of these plants can grow vigorously when planted in optimal conditions, they are not generally known to spread to other areas in large plots of land.
If a lavender plant is kept contained in a controlled environment, such as in a garden bed or in a pot, the roots usually remain contained and will not spread to other areas. It’s important to monitor the growth of your lavender plant and remove dead leaves or stems to prevent overcrowding.
If the leaves and stems continually rub against each other, they can damage the roots and cause them to spread beyond their contained area. It’s best to ensure that your lavender plant has adequate room to grow and isn’t overcrowded in order to prevent any root spread.
Is lavender a sun or shade plant?
Lavender is typically a sun loving plant, meaning it prefers full sun for optimal growth and blooming. Generally speaking, lavender should be planted in an area that receives 6 or more hours of direct sunshine daily, although some varieties can tolerate some light shade.
It is important to keep in mind that lavender requires good air circulation and does not do well in overly damp or humid conditions, so it is essential to choose an area with good drainage in order to ensure successful growth.