Guv's Gardens
Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Sun
- Full sun (6+ hours); tolerates semi-shade but flowers less.
- Soil
- Free-draining, moderately fertile or poor. Use raised beds or pots where drainage is poor.
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly alkaline, about 6-8; lime strongly acidic soils.
- Water
- Low once established (drought-hardy); keep moist until established. Hates wet feet.
- Hardiness
- Cool to warm temperate and arid climates. English lavender dislikes humid summers; French lavender (L. dentata) is best for humid areas. Frost tolerance varies by species.
- Height and spread
- 40 cm-1 m tall and wide, depending on species.
Guv's tipLavender hates wet feet. Where drainage is poor, use raised beds or pots, and prune just after flowering every year.
Through the year
Timings are for temperate Australia. Tropical and arid gardens follow different seasons.
When to plant
Spring or autumn (avoid cold, wet winter soil).
Flowering
Spring to summer depending on species (English early-mid summer; Spanish and Italian spring; French summer-autumn).
Pruning
Prune just after flowering every year to keep compact; avoid cutting into old bare wood.
Making more plants
Cuttings (softwood in spring, semi-hardwood in late autumn, hardwood in winter).
Watch out for
Root rot
Overwatering and poor drainage.Look for: Wilting and collapse in wet, poorly drained soil.
What to do: Use well-drained soil or pots and don't overwater. Apply a phosphorous-acid fungicide during prolonged wet weather.
Always read and follow the label on any treatment, and check it is approved for use where you live.
Safety and spread
Pets and people: English lavender (L. angustifolia) is toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA: linalool, linalyl acetate), causing nausea, vomiting (not in horses) and loss of appetite. Rated low severity.
Weed risk: Lavandula stoechas (topped or Italian lavender) is a declared restricted weed in most regions of Victoria (regionally controlled in one). It is not declared in Queensland. English lavender and other species are not declared.
The Plant Doctor and the Guv's book
Printable pest and disease charts with real photographs, and all 50 Australia plants in one book.
