Yes, there is such a thing as dwarf lavender! This is a popular type of lavender that is grown for its beauty and its many uses in culinary, medicinal, and aromatherapy applications. Dwarf lavender is much smaller than traditional lavender, typically ranging from 6” – 18” tall.
It is a longer lasting variety of lavender, usually blooming in June and July. Dwarf lavender also has fragrant grey-green foliage, perfect for adding additional scent to your garden or as a backdrop for other flowers and plants.
Dwarf lavender is relatively easy to grow and care for, requiring full-sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Prune lightly after blooming and use a slow-release fertilizer to keep your plant happy and healthy.
Once established, dwarf lavender is a wonderful addition to any garden!.
Is dwarf lavender an evergreen?
No, dwarf lavender is not an evergreen. It is a woody herbaceous perennial that is grown mainly for its attractive gray-green foliage and fragrant purple flowers. In the spring the plant produces wands of lavender-colored blooms and these last until late summer.
Dwarf lavender’s fragrant foliage stays mostly evergreen in warmer climates, but may partially or fully die back in colder winters. The foliage will turn brown and go dormant in cooler winter climates, but new growth will reappear when the weather warms up again.
How big will a small lavender plant grow?
The size of a small lavender plant will depend on the variety of lavender being grown, but most varieties will typically reach between 1-2 feet in height. This size can vary, however, as some lavender plants may grow to be as tall as 3 feet.
The size of the plant can also depend on environmental factors such as the amount of sunlight, moisture, and nutrients the plant receives. If a lavender plant is in an environment ideal for growth, it can grow even bigger than 3 feet.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that larger varieties of lavender may not flower as heavily as smaller varieties.
Can lavender be kept small?
Yes, lavender can be kept small, depending on the species and growing conditions. Pruning is the most important technique for keeping the size of lavender manageable. Pruning lavender will ultimately depend on the species, time of year, and desired size.
If growing in a container, drawing the foliagep asprig into a cone shape allows for a more even distribution of sunlight, keeping the bottom stems from becoming leggy. Once the shape is established, pruning should occur at the beginning of active growth, in late winter or early spring.
This removes any dead or damaged foliage, and encourages the development of fresh, green growth. The frequency of pruning and the intensity of the pruning can be used to control the size of lavender.
Light to moderate pruning helps encourage growth and keeps the plant small, while using harsher pruning techniques can create more of a hedge-like structure. While pruning, be sure to use a sanitized instrument, such as pruning shears,to reduce the risk of spreading disease.
If left to grow naturally, lavender can reach heights of 3′ or more, and some species can easily spread over an area of 4′ or more.
What type of lavender stays small?
The type of lavender that stays small is typically a variety of English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which has more narrow leaves than other varieties of lavender. English lavender typically matures to a height of about 24 inches (61 cm).
It is also a hardy lavender that can survive colder temperatures than other varieties and can remain small when planted in cooler climates. English lavender typically produces long spikes of fragrant, lavender-colored flowers and requires full sun.
In areas with milder climates, other smaller varieties of lavender such as French or Spanish lavender may remain small when planted in full sun and provided with adequate water. French and Spanish lavender typically reach between 8 and 16 inches (20 and 40 cm) in height with an upright, bushy growth habit.
Dwarf varieties of lavender, such as Dwarf Blue Lavender (Lavandula pinnata) may remain even smaller in size when planted in full sun and provided with adequate water.
What is the smallest type of lavender?
The smallest type of lavender is the Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as Spanish or French lavender. It is native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. Spanish lavender is a short, shrubby type of plant, reaching heights of just 10-20 inches with a spread of 12-16 inches.
It is a small, spreading evergreen shrub bearing fragrant green-gray foliage, finely cut, and purple bracts which are the flowers of the plant. Resistant to cold temperatures and drought, Spanish lavender thrives in warm, sunny, and well-drained areas and is an ideal plant for a rock garden or other small, hot, sunny areas in the landscape.
How do you keep lavender small?
Keeping lavender small can be achieved through regular pruning. Pruning should generally take place after the plant blooms, with a light prune in early spring, and a more drastic shaped prune just after the lavender blooms in mid-summer.
If the plant is becoming too large, pruning can also take place more often. When pruning, remove old and overgrown stems, as well as any stems that are growing in a downwards direction. For more formal shaped lavender plants, the blooms can also be dead-headed after the blooms are spent, a practice which helps keep the plant compact and full.
Additionally, lavender plants will stay smaller by removing faded blooms, discarding any diseased or damaged areas, and removing any weak or broken branches. Lavender will also benefit from snipping off new small stems to shape the plant and help contribute to its growth pattern.
To ensure the best results, always use clean, sharp pruning shears when pruning your lavender plant.
How do you grow dwarf lavender?
Growing dwarf lavender is easy and requires minimal effort. To get started, choose a spot in your garden that has full sun. Prepare the soil by working in some organic matter and be sure to add plenty of drainage.
Sow the dwarf lavender seeds directly in the soil in the fall or early spring, or you can start them indoors about four weeks before your last frost date. Lightly cover with soil and keep well-moistened.
Seeds should germinate in about two weeks.
When the seedlings are about two inches tall, thin out the weaker plants and thin down to about six inches apart. Water the plants regularly, but be sure not to overwater.
Fertilize the lavender with a general purpose fertilizer after flowering. Prune affected stems when necessary to keep the plants healthy. Remove flower heads as soon as they start to fade to keep them blooming.
In colder climates, mulch is beneficial to protect the plants during the winter months.
Dwarf lavender is low maintenance and great for gardeners looking to add a pop of color and fragrance to their landscape without the hassle of high maintenance plants. With the proper care, these lovely plants will be blooming brightly for years to come.
Are lavender roots deep?
Yes, lavender roots can be considered deep. Depending on the variety, the roots can grow up to three feet (90cm) in length and spread out in a fan pattern. They prefer sandy soils, and the depth of their roots can reach far into the ground.
The depth of the root system helps the lavender stalks stand up tall and also allows the plant to find water and nutrients even during dry periods. Depending on how hard or compact the soil is, lavender roots can be up to twice as deep as the height of the stem.
To ensure that your lavender plant receives the water and nutrients it needs, it’s important to provide deep and regular watering.
Does lavender come back year after year?
Yes, lavender comes back year after year. It is an evergreen shrub and considered a perennial. Depending on the variety, it can be hardy in zones 5-10. In climates with colder winters, many gardeners will bring their plants indoors or mulch them heavily in the winter to protect their roots.
Pruning the dead branches off in spring will help stimulate new growth, and with the right conditions, lavender will bloom year after year.
How do I maintain my lavender plant?
In order to maintain a healthy lavender plant, it’s important to understand its growing habits and specific requirements. Here are a few tips to help you care for your lavender plant:
1. Plant your lavender in an area of your garden that receives full sun. This will ensure the plant receives the 6–8 hours of sun it needs to thrive.
2. Water your lavender regularly but do not over water it. You can determine if the soil is damp enough by inserting your finger approximately one inch below the surface. If the soil feels dry then it’s time to water it.
3. Feed your lavender once a month with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost.
4. Prune your lavender regularly. Don’t be too aggressive when trimming, as it may stunt the growth of your plant. Generally, the best time to prune lavender is right before it begins its new spring growth.
5. If your plant experiences an infestation, use a natural insect repellent to get rid of any bugs. Neem oil, cayenne pepper and crushed garlic are all great natural solutions to get rid of pesky critters.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your lavender plant thrives and enjoy it for many years to come.
Should potted lavender be cut back?
Yes, potted lavender should be cut back, especially at the end of the growing season. This will encourage new, healthy growth in the spring. Pruning the flowers and stems of your potted lavender can be beneficial in the long run, as it will keep the plant looking its best and help it to stay healthy and strong.
When pruning your lavender, be sure to use sharp, sterilized shears to avoid spreading any potential fungal diseases. Pruning should be done by removing the flower heads and a few of the older woody stems at their base, as well as cutting back any long branches and removing dead shoots.
This will help to shape the plant and stimulate growth in areas that need it. It is important to note that pruning should not be done in the winter or early spring, as it can remove the plant’s flower buds.
Does lavender grow well in pots?
Yes, lavender can grow well in pots! Lavender is a hardy plant that is drought and heat tolerant, features fragrant foliage, and blooms with beautiful purple and white colored flowers. Lavender can easily be grown in containers, provided that you make sure to give it the right conditions.
When planting lavender in a pot, choose one with a drainage hole in the bottom, fill it with a well-draining soil, and choose a pot that is at least 8-12 inches in diameter. To improve drainage even further, you can also add some sand or gravel to the bottom of the pot or mix some organic matter such as compost or peat moss into the soil.
Water your lavender regularly, but make sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Lavender plants prefer full to partial sun, so choose a spot where the plant will get plenty of sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.
Finally, it is important to fertilize your lavender every few weeks by using a balanced fertilizer.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow lavender in a pot. You will be rewarded with beautiful, fragrant foliage and vibrant purple and white flowers!
How do I keep my potted lavender blooming?
In order to keep your potted lavender blooming, there are a few steps you should take. First and foremost, lavender needs full sun (at least 8 hours a day) for the best blooms. If the lavender is not receiving enough sun, move it to a sunnier location in the garden or set it in a sunny spot indoors.
It is also important to water your lavender regularly, but never overwater it. Lavender likes a well-draining soil and should never be left to stand in water. If the temperature gets too hot, lavender may stop blooming.
To avoid this, it’s best to be aware of your local weather and provide shade for the lavender when needed. Additionally, lavender needs to be pruned routinely to keep it in shape, encourage fuller blooms and prevent woody stems.
Prune lavender in late spring, after it has flowered, and again in late summer. Finally, providing a bit of fertilizer to your lavender will help keep it healthy and blooming. Consider using a balanced slow-release fertilizer twice a year in the spring and fall.
Follow these steps and your potted lavender will continue blooming!.
Can lavender survive winter in pots?
Yes, lavender can survive winter in pots as long as the right steps are taken. To ensure that lavender survives winter in pots, the plants should be placed in an area with full sun and protected from strong winds.
During the winter months, the pots should be protected from freezing temps with a thick layer of mulch or bark. Additionally, the soil in the pots should be kept dry, and watering should be reduced. If temperatures fall below 20F (-7C), the potted lavender should be protected with a cold frame or fleece covering.
During prolonged cold and wet winters it may be beneficial to bring the pots indoors, or move them to a sheltered area to protect the lavender plants from any damage or injury.
Does lavender need full sun?
No, lavender does not need full sun to thrive, though it does prefer plenty of sunlight. Lavender is known for its ability to tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It can tolerate afternoon shade in extremely hot climates, though it should receive five to six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Partial shade is ideal in areas with intense heat, as it is more tolerant of moisture. Lavender needs good drainage, so make sure to plant it in a spot that won’t become soggy after a rain. If planted in full sun, consider adding mulch during the hot weeks of summer to protect the plant from the intense heat.
Regardless of the amount of sunlight it receives, lavender needs well-draining soil and consistent water in order for its roots to remain healthy.
How often should I water my lavender?
It is important to get into a regular watering routine for lavender to ensure it stays healthy and blooms. During the summer months when the weather is hot and dry, lavenders should be watered once per week.
In the cooler months, you can water the lavender approximately every 10-14 days. Depending on the amount of rainfall in your area, you may need to adjust how often you water your lavender. Soil should be completely dry between waterings.
To check this, stick your finger in the soil and if it feels dry, you can water. If it feels damp or wet, you can wait on watering. Adding a layer of mulch to the top of your soil will help to keep it moist.
Over-watering lavender can cause root rot, so care should be taken when deciding how often and how much to water your plant.
What month does lavender flower?
Lavender typically flowers from late spring until early autumn, with most varieties blooming between April and August. In some regions, like the western United States and in southern Europe, lavender can flower as late as October.
Depending on your location and the variety of lavender you have in your garden, the flowering period can last anywhere from one to six months.