How Much Water Does Lavender Need

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Last Updated on June 6, 2021 by Cristina

Have you ever wondered how often to water lavender because of how fast it dies from under or overwatering?

Lavender is popular in the countryside of Southern France grown for the perfume industry. In North America, it is a shrubby perennial grown for its flowers and fragrance. It also serves as a beautiful flower for the landscape.

Lavender is a formal garden plant that may be clipped to form a low hedge or an aromatic border along a path.  In a rock garden, lavender plants are a great effect to beautifully accent the area.  It is also a natural choice for any herb garden.

The cool grey-green foliage contrasts nicely with its own flowers as well as the dark green herbs and other plants.  It does well in containers just as it thrives in the garden.  This plant is considered as annual in the South but also thrives in the arid western climates.

When Does Lavander Bloom?

Lavender offers many varieties and has a vast selection of bloom times, flower forms, colors, and sizes.  Bloom time varies between one location and another – where one blooms at the start of June and another at the end of the same month.

Contrary to what many people know, not all lavenders are purple.  Some hybrids come in other lovely pastel hues like yellow, pale pink, rose, or violet-blue.  The leaves also vary in shape and color and you can extend the bloom season as well as a color palette by planting different varieties.

How Much Water Does Lavender Need?

Lavender requires a good amount of water to promote root growth.  But if you underdo or overdo it, you will end up with dead plants.  If you have lavender planted on large scale, it is advisable to irrigate twice a year and that’s enough.  Short and frequent watering cycles result in unhealthy roots that could rot.

Planting And Pruning Lavender

All lavender varieties require well-drained soils, especially during the winter months.  To ensure you have good draining soil, mix some sand or gravel into the soil before you plant lavender or grow the plants in mounds, slopes, or raised beds.  Instead of applying moisture-holding mulches, consider using stone or rock especially in hot and humid climates.

Always, check your soil pH to make sure it’s not too acidic because it will kill your plants.  You can amend your soil with lime to better accommodate your lavender plants.

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Once the lender becomes established, it will require minimum watering and pruning.  Prune your stems when they grow and become woody.  Prune it back to about half its height in the spring to promote fresh growth and robust flowering in the summer.  If you do not prune your plants, they will sprawl leaving a hole in the middle.  Clip faded blooms during summer to encourage repeat bloom throughout the season.

Lavender Varieties

Lavender is commonly grouped into 4 classes and has a vast of hybrids that have been cultivated for specific growing conditions and climates all around the world. The 4 classes include

• Lavandula multifida – This is the Egyptian hybrids a.k.a. fern leaf lavender
• Lavandula angustifolia – It is the English hybrids a.k.a. true lavender
• Lavandula stoechas – This is the original French hybrids
• Lavandula dentata – It is the well-known Spanish hybrids

Lavender Growing Conditions Indoors Plus The Amount Of Water Needed

If you choose to grow lavender indoors in pots or are bringing them inside to protect them from frost, it is possible but will need some good amount of care.  The care tips include:

• Choose a variety that does well indoors like the Lavandula dentate.  This variety has smaller plants that do well in pots.
• Place your plant near a southern-facing window and consider providing supplemental lighting using grow lights if you live in a dark room.
• If you move your plants indoors due to the cold weather, expect them to slow their growth process but it is better than allowing them to die outside.
• Don’t overwater your potted plants – remember lavender hates water.  Use pots that are close in size to the root ball of your plant.  Any larger pot prompts you to overwater which ends up waterlogging your plant.
• Add a layer of gravel to the base of the pot to assist with draining and use a terra cotta pot – this helps in releasing moisture and preventing rot.
• Check your soil for acidity and add lime every month if need be.

Lavender Watering Conclusion

It’s your turn to grow your own lavender! Lavender is beautiful and low-maintenance. It is easy to grow for anyone who wants to do so.

It is an ideal plant for any home or garden due to its abundance of use.  For those already growing this perennial herb, share your experiences with us to encourage or edify us.

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