5 top tips for growing lavender

1. Choose a full sun spot in a free draining soil for growing lavendar
2. Select a lavender that suits your climate
3. Plant lavender to attract beneficial pollinators into your garden
4. Short on space? Look for small growing varieties of lavender - they are perfect for growing in pots
5. Most lavenders should be pruned back by two thirds after they’ve flowered to help maintain a bushy growth

Did you know that English lavender does not tolerate humid conditions and prefers warm dry summers and cool winters, while some other varieties are more tolerant of mild humidity?

Types of Lavender in Australia

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Needs a cool winter to flower well and its flowers are held high above the foliage on long slender stems.

French lavender (Lavandula dentata)

Famous for its long flowering period and  soft grey/green leaves that have fringed margins.

Spanish (Lavandula stoechas) & Italian Lavender (Lavandula pedunculata)

These very similar varieties, tolerate some frost and are much loved for their dainty “wing-tipped” flowers - also sometimes known as Butterfly Lavender

Growing lavender in the ground

Lavender prefers a full sun spot in well-drained soil. The planting hole should be twice as wide as the original pot and have the same depth. Fluff up the soil at the bottom of the hole and mix a little Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver through the original soil at the bottom of the planting hole.

Gently remove the lavender from the nursery pot and tease the roots lightly if they are compact. Plant into the prepared hole and backfill around the plant. Water in well.

Growing lavender in pots

Lavender can be grown in pots or planters with good drainage - choose a pot that will suit the mature height and width of your chosen lavender. If you’re limited with space look for some of the more compact growing varieties of lavender that can be planted closer together.

Fill your pot or planter with Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix. Gently remove the lavender from the nursery pot and tease the roots lightly if they are compact. Plant the lavender into the potting mix and backfill around the plant. Water in well.

 

Caring for lavender

Lavender will need fertilising once every 6 months in late winter or early spring with Scotts Osmocote All Purpose Controlled Release Fertiliser.

Most lavenders should be pruned back by two thirds after they’ve flowered to help maintain a bushy growth.

 

Common lavender pests & diseases

Lavender is relatively pest and disease free. However, if fungal diseases occur, it could be because of high humidity - remove lower branches to open up the plants and improve airflow.

Whitefly, aphids and scale can sometimes cause a problem - remove some of the lower leaves to improve light and air circulation around the plants and spray any infestations with Defender Pyrethrum Insect Spray if needed.