The scent of lavender makes it such an attractive plant to many gardeners, but the blooms put on a real show. Vibrant purple blooms and silvery-green foliage look their best on lavender plants from late June to August in the UK, with the summer weather paving the way for perfect growing conditions.
Lavender growers will know that some varieties or plants that are deadheaded can produce a second flush of flowers later in the summer, even into September in some cases. However, gardening experts have warned that those growing in pots may not make it that far in the hot weather. Despite being sun-loving and drought-tolerant, there is such a thing as too much sunlight for lavender.
The experts at GardeningKnowHow have urged anyone growing lavender in garden pots to check on their plants.
They said, “Growing lavender in pots has its own set of special considerations.
“If you have lavender in pots dying, it may be because the plant is over or underwatered, the soil is inconsistent with the plant’s needs, the plant is getting too little or too much sunlight, or the plant may need to be fertilised.”
Too much direct sun exposure can cause lavender to dry out and cause the leaves to burn, turning them a greyish or brown colour.
This is particularly common in potted plants, which dry out faster than those grown in the ground with more expansive root systems.
Experts at Jersey Lavender said, “Position lavender plants to receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, or consider temporary shading during the hottest part of the day to protect against excessive heat.”
While watering seems like the best fix for dreary-looking plants, the lavender experts warned against overdoing it.
Given that the hot sun can quickly evaporate excess water, leaving the roots dry, it’s best to water little and often. Always check the soil for adequate moisture – only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Plants can take time to recover from stress like sunburn, so be patient and carefully monitor lavender for signs of new growth. This is an encouraging indication that it’s bouncing back.
In some cases, lavender may be beyond help. Gardening Know How suggests lifting the plant from the soil to inspect its root system. “Doing so can help confirm suspicions as to whether or not it has died or will resume growth in spring”, the experts instructed.
