Few plants are as versatile as lavender. Whether as an aromatic potted plant or in the garden, it is a real asset and can live very long if cared for properly. The small purple flowers are not only visual eye-catchers, their irresistible scent ensures relaxation and repels moths and mosquitoes. Although the plant is considered relatively undemanding, proper lavender care is an important prerequisite for bringing a Mediterranean feeling into your home or garden.
Lavender was already well known to the ancient Romans and they used it to produce fragrant bath essences. The name comes from the Latin word “lavare” and means “to wash”. The plant is related to mint and sage and is a subshrub, it only woody at the bottom. It was originally widespread in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean, but today there are over 25 known varieties and some that are also hardy. The species “Lavandula angustifolia” is successfully cultivated in Central Europe and with the right lavender care it survives the winter without any problems, even in colder regions.
Whether as an intermediate planting,in the bed or pot, lavenderalways looks beautiful and likes it sunny, warm and dry. Lavender care is easy and has few demands. It needs a bright location, overwintering and a permeable or sandy, calcareous soil. Above all, the subshrub does not tolerate waterlogging. This makes it perfect for hobby gardeners. The young plants in pots that you get in the garden center should be moved quickly so that the roots have more space. You can also grow them directly outdoors. The right time is variable. When caring for lavender, regular pruning is essential.
Lavender Care: Pruning
Depending on the variety, lavender blooms in different tones: from purple to pink to white. It is a permanent bloomer and from June until well into late summer it decorates beds and balconies and exudes a magical scent. To ensure that the lavender enjoys a long and lush flowering period, it should be cut twice a year. The first pruning is in spring and should ideally take place after the last frost and before the first shoots. Up to two thirds of the plant is cut off. Woody and dried parts are also removed.
The second pruning promotes compact growth and is done immediately after the flowering phase. You should not damage the old wood, otherwise it will no longer grow in this place. If you miss this pruning, you should wait until next spring and only then cut the plant. The second cut will support about a third of the long flower stalks, meaning the lavender may bloom a second time. However, the plant should be cut by early autumn.
Lavender care in the garden
With the right lavender care you canThe plant thrives very well in the garden. This includes a dry, bright location with overwintering and suitable soil. In the bed, lavender should have enough distance from other plants. A plant spacing of 60 to 80 centimeters is optimal. Although roses and lavender are often grown together in full sun locations, they are not actually ideal partners. Roses prefer moist and nutritious soil, while lavender is used to dry and nutrient-poor substrate. The perfect place for lavender is on a house wall.
Only winter-hardy species are suitable for keeping outdoors, but they need support. When temperatures drop, the plant should be protected from frost and better covered with straw and coconut mats. Lavender can dry out, especially in winter. A sign of the poor condition of the plant is the brown root network. If the roots are light, everything is fine.
Caring for potted plants
Very often, different types of lavender that are sensitive to frost are only found as decorative potted plants in regions with warm climates. In winter they can withstand temperatures of up to five degrees Celsius, but not frost and must be protected from it. Most of the time, the potted plant you buy is completely rooted and has little soil, which prevents it from growing and blooming. It is therefore advisable to repot the lavender into a larger pot straight away.
Watering, fertilizing and mulching
Fertilization is not a must for lavender because it requires nutrient-poor soil. If at all, you should fertilize once a year with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Otherwise the plant will become sensitive to frost and become woody more quickly. You should also be very careful with the mulch because it usually stores too much moisture, which can lead to mold formation on the plants. You also have to be very economical when watering, because lavender cannot tolerate waterlogging at all. Prolonged wetness also causes root rot and mold. Lavender is only watered when the soil is dry and preferably early in the morning because the leaves have enough time to dry during the day. The same applies to potted plants: only water when the soil is dry.
Diseases and pests
Since lavender is rich in essential oils, pests are hardly an issue. Mold and root rot caused by waterlogging can be particularly dangerous for the plant. Therefore, a bright location and a permeable soil are of great importance for the good condition of the plant. In the “Ohoma Lavandula” variety, black spots can appear on the branches and leaves, which are a sign of fungal disease. To save the plant, the affected branches must be pulled out in time.
Propagate lavender
Lavender is relatively easy to propagate using cuttings. To do this, take a few individual branches and remove the leaves at the bottom. Then you put them in a small container with potting soil and cover them with transparent foil. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, but not too sunny place. The best time to take cuttings is spring and by summer they should have formed enough roots to be able to plant the young plant in the bed.
What can you use the healing plant for?
You can not only enjoy lavender in the garden, but also use its scent and healing powers for yourself. Bouquets of lavender are easy to dry andas a fragrant decorationuse for a long time. When drying, let them hang upside down in an airy and shady place. You should always avoid direct sun and excessive heat, otherwise the valuable essential oils will be lost. The dried flowers can not only be used purely decoratively, but also as tea, for inhalations or for aromatic baths.
