Lavender stands as a cornerstone of countless English gardens, with its delicate leaves providing an elegant touch to flower beds and borders. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this fragrant herb serves as an excellent natural repellent against garden nuisances, particularly ants, whilst simultaneously drawing in vital pollinators that support our ecosystem.
However, few sights are more disheartening than a wilting lavender shrub, particularly when it’s positioned prominently at the front of your display. Though lavender ranks among the easier plants to maintain, certain care requirements remain vital for achieving robust and abundant flowering. This Mediterranean native flourishes in sunny conditions and, whilst requiring minimal irrigation, demands well-draining soil for optimal development.
Indeed, lavender exhibits remarkable drought resistance, and excessive watering risks exposing it to root rot unless the appropriate soil conditions are established.
Should your plant appear somewhat sparse despite proper drainage, horticulturist @gardening.with.ish has revealed two soil amendments that will encourage lavender to flourish.
In their TikTok demonstration, the gardening specialist noted that the “two main lavenders you’ll come across are English and French lavender”.
While English lavender proves “a little bit more hardy,” French lavender typically “flowers for longer.”
Despite their variations, ensuring “free-draining soil is absolutely crucial” remains essential for both types of lavender.
Free or well-draining soil simply means earth that permits water to flow through rapidly, helping to sustain the dry conditions perfect for lavender cultivation.
Sandy earth is frequently employed for plants requiring excellent drainage, though Ish also suggests incorporating two additional elements into your soil that will enable lavender to “absolutely thrive”.
Grit and sand represent two substances that can be effortlessly mixed into the earth to enhance its quality and drainage capabilities. While these materials will assist soil drainage, it remains vital to prevent excessive watering.
It’s preferable to maintain lavender in “lightly moist soil” rather than saturated conditions, with Ish noting that most gardeners lose lavender “because they overwater it or water it daily like most of their plants, and it causes root rot”.
While neglecting to trim your lavender during summer months can lead to a woody and patchy appearance, substandard soil and excessive moisture can “cause black foliage and make it go gooey at the top”.
Rather, “your lavender will thank you” if you provide only occasional watering or even allow rainfall to handle hydration while permitting it to thoroughly dry between waterings.