If there’s one plant that makes my garden feel like a little slice of paradise, it’s lavender. Its dreamy scent, soft purple blooms, and calming presence bring such peace to my space. But, let me tell you, lavender is a bit fussier than it appears. I’ve learned the hard way that lavender can be quite unforgiving if you make certain mistakes – and unfortunately, I made nearly all of them when I started out!
So, if you’re just getting into growing lavender or you’re struggling to keep yours healthy, here are seven common mistakes to avoid. Trust me, steering clear of these will make all the difference in your plant’s happiness.
1. Planting in Heavy, Moist Soil
Lavender roots need to breathe. It’s a Mediterranean plant used to dry, rocky hillsides, so if you plant it in heavy, compacted soil, it’s going to sulk. I made this mistake initially, planting my lavender in soil that was far too rich and moist. Before I knew it, the roots started rotting, and my lavender turned yellow and wilted.
These days, I mix in sand or gravel to improve drainage, and I make sure the soil is light and airy. Lavender loves well-drained soil, and your plant will thank you for it by staying healthy and vibrant.
2. Overwatering – A Sure-Fire Way to Cause Root Rot
I used to water my lavender like I would any other plant, thinking it needed regular moisture. Big mistake! Lavender actually thrives on the drier side, so overwatering can quickly lead to root rot. Now, I only water when the top couple of inches of soil are bone dry.
If you’re not sure, wait another day or two before watering. It’s far safer to underwater lavender than to drown it. The beauty of lavender is that it’s hardy and resilient, but too much water will turn that resilience into weakness.
3. Not Enough Sunlight
Lavender is a true sun worshipper. If it doesn’t get at least six to eight hours of full sun each day, it will start to grow leggy and struggle. I made the mistake of placing mine in a partly shaded area, hoping it would adapt. But lavender doesn’t compromise!
After moving my lavender to a spot with direct sunlight all day, I noticed a huge improvement. Its growth became much bushier, and the colour of the flowers was so much more vibrant. So, find that sunny spot, and don’t be shy about letting it bask!
4. Skipping Pruning – Leading to a Woody, Scraggly Plant
This was one I ignored for a while because I was scared to cut back too much and hurt the plant. But the truth is, if you don’t prune lavender, it becomes woody, thin, and much less productive.
I now prune mine lightly after its first bloom, and then give it a harder prune in late summer or early autumn. I’ve noticed this keeps it full and encourages new, lush growth. Just remember not to cut into the woody parts of the plant, as lavender doesn’t regenerate well from old wood.
5. Using Fertiliser – Lavender Doesn’t Need It!
Lavender actually thrives in nutrient-poor soil, which is part of its charm. Early on, I thought a bit of fertiliser would give it a boost. But, much to my surprise, it actually made the plant weak and leggy!
Since then, I’ve learned that lavender doesn’t need – or want – fertiliser. Its fragrant oils are more intense when it grows in tougher conditions, so skip the feeding and let lavender do its thing naturally. Sometimes, less really is more.
6. Growing the Wrong Variety for Your Climate
This was one of the most frustrating mistakes I made. I fell in love with an English lavender variety, not realising it wasn’t suited for my warmer climate. The poor plant couldn’t handle the humidity and just fizzled out in the heat.
If you’re in a cooler, damp climate, go for English lavender. For warmer, humid regions, varieties like Spanish or French lavender are a better choice. Knowing what will thrive in your environment saves you time, heartache, and struggling plants!
7. Ignoring Air Circulation – A Pathway to Mildew
Lavender hates feeling cramped, and when air circulation is poor, it’s prone to mildew and other fungal issues. I learned this the hard way after crowding a few too many plants in my garden bed. They ended up fighting for space, and my lavender paid the price with some rather unsightly mildew on the leaves.
Now, I make sure to give my lavender enough room to breathe. It needs at least 30-45 cm of space around it so that air can flow freely. This small step has kept my plants mildew-free and happier than ever.
In the End, Lavender is Worth the Learning Curve
After making nearly every mistake in the book, I’m finally enjoying the most gorgeous, aromatic lavender plants. It’s been a journey, but every time I see those delicate purple blooms swaying in the breeze, I remember why it was all worth it.
If you’re new to growing lavender or you’ve been struggling, don’t give up! Follow these tips, and soon enough, you’ll have lavender that’s healthy, fragrant, and thriving. Just picture yourself brushing against its leaves, releasing that dreamy scent, and you’ll understand why lavender is worth every ounce of effort.