Growing Lavender in Pots and Containers

Lavender is famed for its vibrant blooms and soothing fragrance, commonly thriving in sunny environments.

However, gardeners with shadier plots may wonder if they can enjoy the beauty and aroma of lavender.

Published: July 22, 2024.

Introduction to Container Gardening with Lavender

Container gardening with lavender offers a delightful blend of versatility, aromatic pleasure, and aesthetic appeal.

Lavender, known for its calming scent and beautiful purple blooms, thrives in containers, making it an ideal choice for those with limited garden space or the desire to bring a touch of nature closer to home.

Growing lavender in pots not only enhances your balcony, patio, or windowsill but also allows for better control over the growing conditions, ensuring the plant's health and vitality.

Choosing the Right Lavender Variety

Selecting the appropriate variety of lavender is crucial for successful growth in containers. Not all lavender species are suited for pot cultivation, as some may grow too large or require specific conditions.

The most popular varieties for container gardening include:

• Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender): Known for its sweet fragrance and compact growth habit, this variety is perfect for small pots and colder climates.
• Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender): This variety features distinctive, pineapple-shaped blooms and a more robust form, suitable for larger containers.
• Lavandula intermedia (Lavandin): A hybrid between English and Portuguese lavender, Lavandin is prized for its high oil content and larger, more vigorous plants, ideal for spacious containers.

Choosing the right type depends on your climate, the size of your container, and how you intend to use the harvested lavender.

Selecting the Ideal Pot and Soil

The choice of pot and soil is just as important as the variety of lavender you choose to grow. Lavender requires well-draining soil and a container with adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot, a common issue in poorly drained soils.

• Pot Size and Material: A clay or terracotta pot is ideal because it allows the soil to breathe and moisture to evaporate, reducing the risk of overwatering. The size of the pot should be large enough to accommodate the root ball plus a few inches of growth but not so large that the soil stays wet for long periods.
• Soil Requirements: Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil. Mix one part of standard potting soil with one part of coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. You can also add a little lime to increase the soil's pH. Avoid rich, heavy soils and excess fertilizer, as lavender thrives in conditions that are not overly fertile.

Selecting the right pot and soil for your lavender carefully will help create an optimal environment that encourages healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Planting Your Lavender: Step-by-Step Guide

Planting lavender in containers is a straightforward process that, if done correctly, can lead to flourishing plants. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• Prepare the Pot: Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes. If it doesn't, drill a few holes. Place a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom to further improve drainage.
• Soil Mixture: Fill the pot with the pre-prepared soil mix, which should be loose and well-draining. Remember, lavender thrives in alkaline conditions, so adjusting the pH of your soil may be necessary.
• Planting the Lavender: Remove the lavender plant from its nursery pot, gently loosening the root ball. Plant it in the container at the same depth it was growing previously. Fill around the plant with your soil mixture, pressing down lightly to eliminate any large air pockets.
• Watering After Planting: Give your newly planted lavender a good watering to help settle the soil. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.

Sunlight and Watering Requirements

Lavender requires full sun to flourish, so place your container in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. When it comes to watering:

• Watering: Lavender does not like to sit in wet soil. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to water less frequently.
• Monitoring Moisture Levels: Check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. In hot, dry conditions, more frequent watering may be necessary but always check the soil first.

Can Lavender Grow in Shade?

Lavender is traditionally known for thriving in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce its characteristic fragrant flowers and robust growth.

However, the question arises whether lavender can grow in shade or partial shade, and if there are any specific varieties more tolerant of lower light conditions.

Generally, lavender is not well-suited to shade. It will struggle to bloom and may become leggy and weak if not provided enough sunlight.

The lack of adequate sun can also increase the risk of issues like root rot and fungal diseases due to cooler, moist conditions commonly found in shaded areas.

However, if you have a garden, balcony, or terrace that only receives partial sun, you might still be able to grow lavender by carefully selecting the location and managing the environment to maximize the available light.

For example, positioning lavender near reflective surfaces, such as light-colored walls or fences, can help increase the amount of light the plants receive.

Varieties Potentially More Tolerant to Partial Shade

While no lavender varieties are truly shade-loving, a few might tolerate slightly less than full sun better than others. Here are some options you might consider if your garden doesn't get full sun:

• Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote': Known for its compact and shorter growth habit, 'Hidcote' is one of the most popular lavender varieties. It is slightly more tolerant of partial shade but still needs a good amount of direct sunlight to thrive.
• Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead': This variety is another relatively resilient option that can handle a bit more variance in its growing conditions. 'Munstead' will do best in bright, indirect light but should still receive several hours of direct sun.
• Lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso': While typically grown for its high oil content and larger size, 'Grosso' is a robust variety that might withstand less than ideal light conditions slightly better than others, though it too prefers full sunlight.

To give lavender the best chance of success in partial shade, focus on providing optimal care in other areas. Ensure the soil has excellent drainage and is not overly fertile, maintain proper watering practices, and prune regularly to encourage healthy growth and airflow around the plants.

While lavender's performance in partial shade may not match that of its full sun counterparts, with careful attention, you can still enjoy this fragrant and beautiful plant in your garden.

Fertilizing and Pruning Lavender

Lavender is not a heavy feeder, but a little care in this regard can go a long way:

• Fertilizing: Apply a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season to support healthy growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can stimulate excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to keep lavender plants healthy and attractive. Prune in early spring to shape the plant and encourage new growth. After blooming, trim off spent flower stalks and about a third of the current year’s growth to prevent the plant from becoming woody and sparse.

Following these guidelines for planting, sunlight, watering, fertilizing, and pruning will ensure that your container-grown lavender thrives, providing beautiful blooms and a delightful fragrance for your outdoor or indoor spaces.

Common Pests and Diseases: Prevention and Treatment

Lavender is generally hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases, but it's not immune. Being proactive in monitoring and maintenance can help ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant.

Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Pests: Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests that afflict lavender. These can be managed by spraying the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations persist.
• Fungal Diseases: Root rot and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can occur, especially in conditions of poor drainage or excessive moisture. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues. If signs of fungal disease appear, treat the plants with an appropriate fungicide.

Regular inspections of your lavender plants can help catch these problems early, making them easier to manage and less likely to cause significant damage.

Winter Care for Lavender in Containers

Winter care is crucial for lavender in containers, as the roots are more exposed to cold temperatures than those planted in the ground. Here’s how to protect your lavender during the colder months:

• Insulation: Wrap the pot with bubble wrap or burlap to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. This is especially important for ceramic or clay pots that can crack in the cold.
• Location: Move containers to a sheltered location, such as against a south-facing wall, to reduce exposure to severe cold and drying winter winds.
• Watering: Reduce watering in the winter, but do not let the roots dry out completely. Lavender in pots can dry out more during windy or sunny winter days.

Adjusting care practices based on the season, especially in winter, can help ensure that your lavender survives and thrives year after year.

Properly winterized, your lavender will be ready to grow vigorously as the weather warms.

Using Your Lavender: Harvesting and Practical Uses

Harvesting lavender at the right time maximizes its fragrance and medicinal qualities. Here's how to harvest and utilize your lavender:

• When to Harvest: The best time to harvest lavender is when the buds are just starting to open. This is when the essential oils are most concentrated. Cut the stems in the early morning after the dew has evaporated for the best fragrance.
• How to Harvest: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems just above the first set of leaves. This encourages the plant to produce new growth.
• Uses: Lavender is incredibly versatile. Dried lavender can be used in sachets for scenting drawers, as a sleep aid, or for decoration. Lavender oil can be extracted and used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and antibacterial properties. In the kitchen, culinary lavender adds a floral touch to baked goods and drinks.

Harvesting lavender properly and exploring its various uses allows you to enjoy the full benefits this plant has to offer, extending its utility beyond the garden.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Lavender Growth

Even with careful maintenance, you may encounter some issues in growing lavender. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

• Yellowing Leaves: If the leaves are turning yellow, it could be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and adjust your watering practices.
• Leggy Growth: Sparse, leggy growth often results from insufficient light. Make sure your lavender is placed in a location where it receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Pruning early in the season can also help maintain a compact, bushy shape.
• No Flowers: If your lavender isn't blooming, it might not be getting enough light or it could be too rich in nitrogen. Ensure it's in full sun and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Addressing these common issues promptly can help restore your lavender to health, ensuring it continues to thrive and bring beauty and fragrance to your space.