Lavender Munstead Dwarf
This highly aromatic compact form of lavender is ideal for low hedging, borders or pots.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a much-loved perennial shrub that deserves a place in every garden. Its heavenly scented flowers and highly aromatic silvery-green leaves suit all garden styles and grows easily in garden beds or pots. Once established, it’s fairly low maintenance and drought tolerant, although will perform better with care. There are a few different types, including: the ‘true’ English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish or Italian lavender (Lavandula stoechas). Each look different, but all have the same gorgeous perfume and are fantastic for attracting bees and other pollinators into your garden – great to have near the vegetable patch or fruit trees to help promote pollination. Here’s how to grow lavender.
Location
Lavender grows best in warm temperate climates, where the summers are hot and dry, and winters cool. English lavender will not thrive in areas with humid summers, but French and Italian lavender are more tolerant of mild humid conditions. Plant in full sun and protect from strong winds.
Soil
Plant lavender in well-drained soil, enriched with plenty of organic matter like Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Ideally, the soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, so if it’s too acidic, increase the pH with Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite. If planting in pots, ensure you use a quality well-draining potting mix, like Yates Premium Potting Mix.
Fertiliser
Feed weekly from late spring with a complete fertiliser specially formulated for flowering plants, like Yates Thrive Natural Roses & Flowers Concentrate. If you prefer to feed with pellets or don’t have the time to feed weekly, use Yates Thrive Natural Roses & Flowers Organic Based Pelletised Plant Food.
Water
Once established, lavender is fairly drought tolerant. In periods of extended hot and dry conditions, lavender will benefit from a good deep watering, but take care to not overwater – it does not like wet feet.
Pests and diseases
Lavender is generally pest free. However, shrubs can succumb to root rot, especially if soils are poorly drained and/or overwatered. To prevent this from occurring, improve the soil prior to planting by digging in plenty of organic matter and gypsum, but if this is not possible, consider planting in raised beds or pots. If root rot occurs, treat with Yates Anti Rot Phosacid Systemic Fungicide.
Maintenance
When flowering, regularly prune to remove dead or browning flowers. This will encourage a second flush of blooms, especially if you have fed well during the season. Once flowering has finished – usually in late summer or early autumn – cut back one-third of the shrub, pruning down to the woody stems if required.
How to grow from seed:
How to grow established plants:
How to grow from seed
How to grow established plants
One of the easiest ways to grow more lavender is from cuttings. Take softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late autumn or hardwood cuttings in winter.
This highly aromatic compact form of lavender is ideal for low hedging, borders or pots.
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