Lavender is a beloved herb for gardeners with its many uses and beautiful blooms. When grown in pots, the French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) variety is popular because of its ability to thrive where other varieties may struggle.
It is drought tolerant, doesn’t require pruning, and can tolerate some neglect. Additionally, it is a low-maintenance shrub that can easily be moved if necessary. It flowers from early summer until early fall and requires full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) also can be grown successfully in pots, however, it will require a bit more maintenance. This variety also needs full sun and well-drained soil, but needs to be pruned regularly to prevent it from becoming leggy or dropping its lower blooms.
Additionally, its shallow root system makes it prone to drying out quickly, so it requires regular watering. This variety flowers from mid- to late-summer.
Finally, Spanish Lavender (Lavandula intermedia) is a great choice for containers as it is drought tolerant, grows slowly, and has a compact growth habit. It also requires full sun and well-drained soil, as well as periodic pruning to remove old blooms and encourage new growth.
It flowers in mid- to late-summer, so it can be a great choice for extending the season of bloom in pots.
Can lavender plants survive in pots?
Yes, lavender plants can survive in pots as long as it is the right variety. English lavender, French lavender, Spanish lavender, and many of the other hybrid varieties are all suitable for growing in containers.
If you are growing lavender in a pot, it is best to choose a container with a drainage hole, or plant your lavender in a pot with well-draining soil. For container grown lavender, it is important to water the plants well and then let the soil dry out completely between each watering.
Also keep in mind that some varieties of lavender can become root bound if left in their container for too long, so it is important to re-pot into a larger container every few years. Finally, make sure the pot is placed in a full sun location and make sure the soil is not too wet or too dry!.
How do you keep French lavender blooming?
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a Mediterranean shrub that thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Keeping French lavender blooming requires providing the shrub with the proper care, as outlined below:
1. Water: French lavender prefers dry conditions and should only be watered when soil is nearly dry, about once a week or two during the summer. Water should be applied directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.
2. Sun: French lavender grows best in full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunshine every day. Without enough sunshine, the shrub may not flower.
3. Fertilizer: To encourage blooming and keep stems healthy, apply a complete fertilizer formulated for shrubs and trees every spring. Avoid fertilizer with too much nitrogen, which encourages the growth of foliage and hinders flowering.
4. Pruning: After flowering, French lavender should be pruned back to a height of 8–10 inches to maintain a compact shape and encourage the development of new blooms. Pruning should happen at least once a year.
5. Pest control: If insects or other pests become a problem, use a mild insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Should I deadhead French lavender?
Yes, you should deadhead French lavender. Deadheading is an important part of caring for your lavender plants and keeping them in the best condition. The main benefit of deadheading is that it encourages the plant to continue flowering.
It also helps to maintain the desired size and shape of the lavender. Deadheading French lavender should be done after flowering has finished and the stems have turned a straw like color. To deadhead, simply cut the stem off just above the first set of leaves, making sure not to damage any of the new buds that are forming.
This will help the plant to put its energy into forming new and more flowers, rather than setting seed. Additionally, pruning off any dead or dying stems or flowers helps to promote air circulation, preventing disease and fungal growth.
Deadheading can be done throughout the season and will help to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Why does my French lavender keep dying?
The most common cause is probably due to either the lavender not receiving enough sunlight or the soil not draining properly. French lavender is a Mediterranean plant that prefers a sunny spot in the garden, preferably in a spot where it will get 6-8 hours of sun a day.
If your lavender isn’t getting enough sunlight, it could be causing the plant stress and leading to its death. Additionally, French lavender needs well-draining soil. If the soil is too dense or moisture-retentive, the roots may be unable to get sufficient air, which can lead to the lavender’s death.
Improper watering may also be an issue as French lavender does not need to be watered frequently – in fact, it can be quite sensitive to overwatering. If you’re overwatering your lavender, the roots can rot, causing the plant to die.
Finally, it’s possible that your French lavender is suffering from a pest infestation or disease. Check the plants for signs of any pest damage or fungal spots, which may indicate an underlying problem.
Once you’ve identified the source of the problem, you’ll be able to take steps to address it and hopefully save your lavender.
What to do with French lavender after flowering?
When the French lavender plants have finished flowering, it is important to remove the dead flowers to keep the plant looking neat and tidy and to encourage new blooms for the following season. Deadheading is best done with a pair of sharp secateurs by cutting off the flowering spike right down to the base of the plant.
Doing this will also mean that the plant is not expending energy and resources on producing seed heads, which may further reduce the chances of producing more flowers.
Once you have finished cuting off the spent blooms it is important to regularly deadhead the French lavender to keep the plants tidy. To further encourage more blooms you can also trim off any dead or diseased leaves.
This can be done by lightly pruning the stems back by a third, this will help to keep the plant compact and looking good.
It is also beneficial to give French lavender regular nutrients. This can be done by using an indoor plant fertilizer or by adding some natural composted material around the plants base. Doing this will help to ensure the plants have the best chance of growing and blooming well in the following season.
Finally, French lavender will benefit from a good deep water each season to ensure that the soil or pot it is in is flooded with plenty of water.
Does lavender continuously bloom?
No, lavender does not continuously bloom. Depending on the species and growing conditions, lavender will typically bloom during spring, summer, or both. Most species of lavender will bloom in spring and continue blooming into early summer before setting seed and then dying back.
During fall, lavender will produce vegetative growth rather than flowers. In areas with milder winters, lavender may even continue to flower into late fall. For this reason, Lavender may look like it is continuously blooming, but this is not the case.
What is the prettiest lavender?
The prettiest lavender has to be the darker purple varieties, such as ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’. Grosso lavender has large, bold spikes that appear in late spring and range in color from a medium to deep purple.
The wands of Provence Lavender are tightly packed with small, deep purple, flower buds that scent the air with a strong, sweet fragrance. Both varieties have a long flowering period and can last for up to a month.
They are particularly popular for adding color to garden beds and pathways, as well as for creating beautiful displays. However, any type of lavender is sure to add beauty, scent, and color to gardens and landscapes.
Whats the difference between English and French lavender?
The main difference between English and French lavender are their growth characteristics, sent and oil composition. English Lavender is an upright variety that typically reaches around 1-2 feet in height and grows in clusters.
It has a sweet, herbaceous scent and the oil has a high content of esters, making it especially useful in perfumes and lotions. French Lavender is a spreading variety that typically reaches around 10-12 inches in height and grows in mounds.
It has a lighter, more floral scent and the oil has a high content of monoterpenes and oxides, making it especially useful in aromatherapy and cosmetics.
Which is the strongest smelling lavender?
The strongest smelling lavender is the Lavandula angustifolia, also known as ‘true lavender’. This variety of lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically in France and Italy, and has a characteristic sweet scent with floral and herbal overtones.
It is the most common variety of lavender used in perfumes, soaps, and other personal products. The essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia have been used for centuries to heal a variety of ailments, and many people use it as aromatherapy, due to its calming properties.
It’s aroma is sharper and more intense than other types of lavender, due to having a higher concentration of active compounds like lavandulyl acetate and linalool.
Should I cut French lavender plant back now what?
When it comes to French lavender, it is best to cut it back during the early or late winter, or in the spring before it begins to grow again. This will encourage the plant to become bushier, and it will also help promote new blooms.
When you are ready to cut back your French lavender, you should use hedging shears, or your garden clippers. Make sure to cut the stems to about 5-7 cm above the soil level. This should be done for each stem on the plant and will help to remove any dead or diseased wood.
After cutting back the French lavender plant, it is important to add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil. This will help promote new growth and ensure that the plant has everything it needs to continue to thrive.
Do you cut back French lavender in winter?
Yes, French lavender should be cut back in the winter to promote healthy growth. Pruning in the winter helps to clean up the plant, remove old and dead stems, and encourage new growth. Start by trimming off any damaged leaves or stems and then make cuts just above a set of healthy leaves or buds.
Be careful not to cut too much of the stem as the plant may not be able to recover from it. Once you have removed the dead and damaged stems, you may also want to shape the plant by cutting off long stems.
Pruning in the winter will help to ensure the lavender will grow new and healthy stems in the spring.
Can I prune lavender in March?
Yes, you can prune lavender in March if your weather is mild and you can safely work outdoors without fear of frost damage. To prune lavender, start by cutting off the flower stalks from the previous season back to the basal foliage.
This will help the growth of new stems in the following year. You can then cut off any dead or damaged stems, or any stems that are too crowded or growing in the wrong direction. It is also a good idea to lightly thin the foliage by thinning the growth on the outer edge of the plant.
This will help to improve air circulation as well as providing more light for the inner branches. As a general rule, you should not remove more than a quarter of the foliage when pruning lavender. Finally, always use sharp pruners when pruning to prevent damage to the stems.
Should lavender be cut back before winter?
Yes, lavender should be cut back before winter. Pruning or trimming it back before the cold weather sets in is beneficial to the plant because it helps promote new growth in the spring. It improves the plant’s ability to survive the cold months and it can also help shape the plant and improve its overall appearance.
To safely prune lavender, use sharp shears and wear gloves. Cut the stems back to the point where the leaves meet the stem. Trim the top of the stem so that the stem is even and straight. This will assure that the lavender produces lush new growth in the springtime.
Be careful to not over prune, as this can reduce the number of blooms that the plant produces.
Does French lavender come back every year?
Yes, French lavender generally grows as a perennial which means it will come back every year as long as it is cared for properly. This means that it will return with the same vigor and health as the previous year provided it is given the right conditions.
French lavender is best planted in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. It should also be pruned back in the fall, which encourages new growth the following spring. With these conditions and regular pruning, French lavender will reward gardeners with its fragrant evergreen foliage and beautiful purple flowers every year.
How do I cut lavender?
In order to properly cut lavender, you should ensure that you have the right tools. For cutting, you will need sharp garden clippers or scissors. If you are cutting a large patch of lavender, it is best to start in the center and work your way out, cutting along the perimeter.
When cutting, you will want to cut the top 12 inches of each stem. This will encourage a full, bushy plant with multiple stems. When cutting, you will want to make sure to leave at least one-third of the original stem so that you can trim it back more frequently in the future.
When you are finished cutting, you can either dry the lavender or use it fresh. For drying, you will want to tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry location. To use lavender fresh, you can add the stems to a vase for beautiful cut flowers or add some stems to your cooking.
Regardless of whether you plan to use the lavender fresh or dried, cutting lavender is a great way to encourage new growth and keep your plants looking their best.
What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
If you don’t prune your lavender regularly, it won’t be able to produce the best possible blooms and flourish as it should. Over time, its stems will become weak, growth may become leggy, and your plant won’t be as attractive.
The foliage will also become less dense and declines in quality, potentially leading to pests and diseases. Lavender requires generous pruning to encourage new growth and maintain healthy flowering. Pruning should be done soon after flowering finishes in early summer so that the lavender can be prepared for winter.
Regular pruning also helps thin out dense, overgrown clumps and makes your plant look neat and groomed.