Ideally, you should plant a lavender hedge in the early spring or late fall. Planting in fall will give the plants time to adapt to their new home during the winter and take off in the spring. Lavender can also be planted in late winter as long as the soil is not too wet and frozen.
When planting, it is important to give your lavender enough space to ensure it develops well. Planting in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and a pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal. Make sure to water your newly planted lavender regularly, at least twice a week, until it is established.
Also, be sure to fertilize at least once a year and perform light pruning to keep the shape of your hedge.
How far apart do you plant lavender to make a hedge?
The ideal distance for planting lavender to make a hedge is 12-14 inches apart for short varieties and 16-20 inches for taller ones. To ensure the hedge remains well-packed, it’s best to place the plants as close together as possible.
If the space is too wide, air circulation can increase and the foliage will not remain compact. For a hedgerow, you do not need to create a straight line. Lavender is a perennial, so with proper care, you can create a line of plants that will be a beautiful border for many years to come.
Which is better munstead or Hidcote lavender?
The answer to which is better, Munstead or Hidcote lavender, is largely subjective and dependent on personal preference. Munstead is a purple-lavender variety of English lavender that is known for its strong, sweet aroma and its tolerance to cold weather.
Its foliage is grey-green and its blooms appear in summer and again in autumn. It is low maintenance, requires minimal pruning and is quite disease/pest-resistant. Hidcote, on the other hand, is classified as a hybrid of English lavender and is much shorter in height than Munstead.
Its blooms are a deep, rich purple and its foliage is grey-green. It too is low maintenance and a great choice for those looking to grown lavender for its fragrance. Hidcote is also very heat and drought tolerant, making it ideal for gardeners living in warm environments.
In summary, the best lavender for your garden will depend on the growing conditions, where the plant is going to be located and your desired aesthetic.
Which lavender is for hedging NZ?
Lavender is a popular choice for hedging in New Zealand, both for its beauty and its ability to withstand the local climate. Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, is the best option for creating hedges in New Zealand.
It is hardy and grows quickly, producing fragrant blooms throughout the summer months. Lavender hedges can be both an attractive landscaping feature, as well as a way to add a strong fragrance to outdoor areas.
Whats the difference between English and French lavender?
The main difference between English and French lavender is the type of lavender plant used. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common type of lavender and is native to Europe. It has very fragrant, deep purple blooms and a strong aroma.
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is native to the Mediterranean and is slightly less fragrant than English lavender. It has lighter, more delicate blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. French lavender is also known for its long lasting blooms and foliage.
In terms of growing requirements, both types of lavender are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions; however, they do not tolerate wet soil. Since they prefer sunny, dry locations they are a great option for areas with hot, dry summers.
Both types of lavender are great choices for adding a distinctive scent to gardens and are often used to make therapeutic oils, soaps, and potpourri.
Which variety of lavender is best?
The variety of lavender that is best will depend largely on your purpose for using it and the conditions of your growing zone. Generally, French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a favorite for its sweet aroma, strong fragrances and stunning blossom spikes.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is highly fragrant too, with a gentle, sweet aroma and a great choice for culinary and medicinal lavender. Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is mainly grown for its ornamental value as it has less flavor, while lavender dentata has a less sweet, more herbal and menthol scent, which is attractive to pollinators.
It is important to choose a variety that is suited to your growing conditions and will not be susceptible to disease; look for disease-resistant hybrids such as Phenomenal, Grosso, Provence, andtwickel.
Additionally, consider how much sunlight, soil type, and watering your potential location will receive. Lavender likes moist but well-drained soil, acid to neutral pH, and 6+ hours of full sun. Depending on your climate, you may also want to look for shorter, more shrubby species which tolerate cooler conditions.
Which is the easiest lavender to grow?
The easiest lavender to grow is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English or common lavender. This variety of lavender thrives in full sun, prefers mildly acidic soils, and can handle both dry and wet weather conditions.
English lavender can be propagated via cuttings or by dividing established plants. It’s an ideal choice for novice gardeners and experienced gardeners alike, as this variety is exceptionally hardy and easy to grow – once established it needs very little maintenance.
English lavender should be pruned back by at least a third each spring to help encourage strong growth and avoid woody plants. The fragrant flowers on this type of lavender will attract beneficial pollinators and depending on the variety, may be white, pink, or even a deep purple color.
Which is the strongest smelling lavender?
The lavender plants that are strongest smelling are typically English or French varieties. These plants, namely Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula stoechas, have powerful aromas that can instantly transform a space.
Lavandula angustifolia (known as English lavender) has an intense, slightly camphoraceous fragrance and is generally considered to be the strongest smelling of the lavenders. Its scent is ideal for aromatherapy oil, dried flower arrangements, and potpourri.
Meanwhile Lavandula stoechas (also known as Spanish or French lavender) has the strongest, distinct aroma and its scent is described as more sweet and fruity than the English Lavender. This variety is preferred in many situations such as in skin care, food, and culinary uses.
What is the fastest growing hedge plant NZ?
The Templetonia stipularis, also known as the fan flower, is possibly the fastest growing hedge plant found in New Zealand. This evergreen shrub grows quickly and is known to reach 3 metres in less than 5 years in its native environment.
The Templetonia stipularis is a versatile plant and has the potential to provide year-round cover in residential gardens. It is drought and frost tolerant, has medium water requirements and can thrive in sunny or partially shaded positions.
Its foliage provides a lush green backdrop to any outdoor space and its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. The Templetonia stipularis also responds well to pruning, making it ideal for providing a dense, colourful hedge.
How do you grow lavender hedges NZ?
Growing lavender hedges in New Zealand is quite straightforward and can be done with a few simple steps. Firstly, select an appropriate site. Lavender prefers full sun and soil with good drainage. Prepare the soil for planting by digging in some compost and adding a general-purpose fertilizer.
Make sure to work the soil well to ensure proper growth.
Once the soil is ready, you can begin planting your lavender hedges. Plant the lavender hedges at least 30 centimetres apart and the same depth as the root ball. Gently press the root ball of the lavender into the soil to ensure it is securely in place.
Firmly pat the soil around the lavender and water in well.
At this stage, you should also provide some support for the lavender by using a bamboo or wire fence. This will help protect the lavender from high wind and ensure the plants grow tall and upright.
Once planted and supported, you’ll need to provide ongoing care to keep the lavender hedges healthy. Regularly water the plants, particularly during hot summer months. Prune back the lavender plants and deadhead spent blooms.
You may also want to add a garden mulch to help the soil retain moisture and act as a slow release fertilizer.
With the right care, lavender should reward you with vibrant and long lasting hedges.
What plants make good hedges NZ?
New Zealand can be a great place to create a stunning garden and diversity of plants. Hedges can be used both to create a border and privacy or to provide texture and beauty in the garden.
In terms of plants that make good hedges in New Zealand, the answer is dependent on what conditions you are needing and what perspective you’d like to take.
For low-maintenance hedges, hedging plants such as Corokia, Coprosma, Pittosporum, Camellia, and Luculia are ideal. These plants require minimal pruning and make suitable hedges for most gardens.
For more formal gardens, Box Hedge and Privet Hedge are popular choices. They require more maintenance than the previous plants and need to be pruned twice a year for best results. If needing a hedge to provide privacy, plants such as Leylandii help to block out neighbours.
If you may prefer plants which provide a native look and feel to your garden, Olearia macrodonta, Hebe species, Carmichaelia, and Leptospermums are all suitable options. Alternatively, plants such as Grisellinia littoralis and Lophomyrtus species are great sight barriers.
Regardless of the choice you decide on, these plants can be easily accessed through local nurseries or garden stores throughout New Zealand and can help create that ideal garden oasis.
Is lavender a good hedge?
Yes, lavender is a great choice for a hedge. Lavender features appealing fragrant flowers, which will add charm and beauty to your garden. In addition, it can also offer protection from wind, noise, and even dust.
Moreover, its dense growth also helps to create a strong barrier to prying eyes.
Lavender is also low-maintenance and drought tolerant, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time and energy caring for it. Lavender requires very little pruning and can survive in most soil conditions.
Finally, pest and disease resistance make lavender one of the best choices for a hedge.
In short, lavender is an ideal choice for a hedge. Its beauty, low-maintenance needs, pest and disease resistance, and hardiness make it an excellent way to beautify and protect your yard.
What is the lifespan of a lavender plant?
The average lifespan of a lavender plant is approximately 10-15 years with proper care. Generally, the plant should be pruned back yearly to promote healthy growth. The plant should be fertilized every spring and watered regularly – making sure not to overwater as this can lead to fungal diseases or root rot.
Lavender can also be susceptible to other pests, so regular inspections are necessary. Additionally, lavender should be planted in well-drained soil in full sun exposure and transplanted in larger pots as the plant grows.
By practicing proper care, lavender plants should remain healthy and live for 10-15 years.
Does lavender spread on its own?
Lavender is a type of herb that is widely known for its pleasant smell and attractive purple colored flowers. It has many uses, such as in herbal medicine, cosmetic products, and aromatherapy. The herb is also grown for ornamental use in many gardens.
Lavender can spread on its own in ideal growing conditions, such as sunny locations with well-draining soil. The plant spreads by both reseeding itself, meaning the flowers drop to the ground and can germinate new plants, and by propagating through plantlets in the form of stolons or runners.
These plantlets may drop to the ground and can develop roots and eventually form their own new lavender plants.
Furthermore, lavender can also spread from cutting and layering. Layering involves digging a shallow trench by the parent lavender plant and then burying a cutting. The cutting eventually takes root and produces a new lavender plant.
Both methods can successfully propagate the species, however, it may take several months to a year before the season to see results.
Overall, lavender can spread on its own in the right growing conditions. It can spread through reseeding, propagating through runner plants, and propagation through layering.
What happens if you plant lavender too close together?
If lavender is planted too close together, it can cause the plants to become overcrowded, resulting in poor air circulation and the inability of the lavender plants to photosynthesize efficiently. In addition, when lavender is planted too close together, it can limit the access to sunlight which is necessary for optimal growth.
This can result in weak, spindly stalks and unnatural coloration. Diseased plants can also quickly spread through a tightly planted bed leading to further issues with the health of the lavender plants.
Finally, an overcrowded lavender bed is at greater risk of pest infestations, as there is limited room for beneficial insects to move in and out of the space. To ensure the health of your lavender plants, it is important to give each of them enough space so that it can breathe and grow optimally.
How far should lavender be planted apart?
Lavender should be planted around 18-24 inches apart, depending on the cultivar. Some cultivars have a more compact growth habit and can be planted closer together while others have a more open and sprawling growth and should be planted further apart.
To ensure good air circulation, at least 12 inches between plants should be maintained. When planting lavender in pots, the container size should be 6-8 inches wide and 8-10 inches deep for a single plant.
For a group of plants, 12-16 inches in diameter container should be used. It is important to replant lavender every three years to ensure good health, as the roots become crowded and the plant will not bloom as well due to lack of space in the soil.