Lavender what kind of soil

The right kind of soil for potted lavenders is as important as how frequently you water the lavender. For guidance on watering read my article, how often to water lavender. Whilst lavenders do tend to thrive on neglect, they need very specific soil conditions to grow and bloom to their best. This includes:. Now we know the soil lavenders prefer in their native range, we need to go about replicating these conditions for potted lavender.

The most important factor is to ensure the soil mix contains a good amount of coarse sand or gravel. Both of these materials work very well for lavender growing and providing the optimal structure for good drainage. However it is important to emphasize that coarse builders sand is far superior to fine sand which is much smaller in terms particles size and therefore less porous.

Lavenders need oxygen in the soil for root respiration and to lower the chance of root rot. After all the ingredients are on the planter start mixing them vigorously with a trowel or even better with your hands wearing adequate garden gloves, if yours are old check this out on Amazon.

You want the three components to be uniformly mixed, this is quite important. If you have your lavender indoor, you are settled.

Lavender can successfully be grown in cacti soil. However, this is likely to require more watering than the lavender mix. Remember, lavender is not a cactus and does require more water than a cactus. I water my succulents once a month while my indoor lavender once a week. Does your finger feel pressed? If so, something is wrong with the mixture.

If you can dig your finger with ease and some scratches from the grit part, be careful then you did a good job. The same requirements in terms of soil drainage and aeration do apply also for lavender planted directly into the soil of your garden.

However, here I need you to add some extra care as you do not have total control of the soil here as you have on a planter. First, you need to understand if your soil is good enough for lavender. What I normally do, as suggested also by more experienced gardeners, is the water retention test. Hence, dig a hole, roughly the same size as the one needed to plant your lavender and fill it with water. Then observe. Is the water going through quickly like is gone in 10 seconds or less or tend to create a paddle that stays there for 10 minutes or more?

In the second case, you might want to prepare the garden soil so to be suitable for lavender. The best soil amendments for lavender are perlite, clay stones, and any light, not water absorbing gritty material that increases drainage and airflow in the growing medium. Growing lavender is not particularly difficult if you do not live in a very cold or wet place.

It is a stubborn plant. For those of you struggling with lavender, I would suggest going for the easiest type such as Grosso and Spanish. However, if you are having trouble, probably there is something wrong with the soil. Here I noticed chatting with some friends over the topic.

Always start with healthy plants that have developed root systems. Lightly disturb the roots if they were clinging to the sides of the pot. Otherwise, leave them be. Prepare the hole for planting 4. Plant your lavender even with the soil line and press firmly all around. Only water your lavender if both the plant and the overall conditions in your garden are very dry.

Lavender is visited by many pollinators throughout the season. End of Season Lavender Care In the northern limit of its range, mulching Lavender plants in late fall will protect them from the winter's cold.

Read more about which types of lavender to plant and its many culinary and aromatherapeutic uses: Learn More: Lavender - A Treat For The Senses Favorite Companions: If you're growing lavender in a perennial garden, plant it with other full-sun, well-drained-soil-loving plants such as Echinacea Coneflowers , Sage Salvia , Artemisia, Thyme , or Ornamental Grasses. Learn More: All About Lavender Ecological Uses: Lavender attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to the garden, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens!

Shop Lavender Plants. Learn More. Silvery foliage is topped by large, dense purple flower spikes. With a compact, dense habit and notable durability for sun, heat, and humidity, as well as cold tolerance, Sensational stands apart from many traditional Lavender varieties. A favorite of honeybees, these fragrant flowers will attract a wide range of pollinators. Lavandula x intermedia.

With exceptionally long, mauve-purple spikes of flowers that are complemented by its silver-green foliage, it's a beautiful sight when swaying in the breeze. Includes fragrant 'Munstead,' compact 'SuperBlue,' humidity-tolerant 'Phenomenal', intensely fragrant "Grosso', and pollinator attracting 'Hidcote. Excellent for both fresh and dried bouquets, this lavender attracts bees and butterflies but repels deer and rabbits.

Perfect for hot, dry sites and drought tolerant once established. Great choice for container plantings. Lavandula angustifolia. You can tuck this lavender into your herb garden, but we love it planted with other colorful perennials in borders, planted in a massive swath where it can sway in the breeze, or set in a pot on the patio where you can enjoy its pleasant scent.

Excellent in fresh or dried bouquets. Pull up a chair and enjoy the company of the bees, butterflies, and birds that will be drawn to your garden.

Flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, while grasses provide year-round visual interest. Highly fragrant with concentrated essential oils, Phenomenal's spikes of purple-blue flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden.

Edible, deer-resistant and fast-growing, this silver-leafed lavender has left all other new introductions in the dust! Lavandula x intermedia PP It's also very showy, with large and spiky dark purple blooms set against silver foliage. Support us Donate Careers Commercial opportunities Leave a legacy.

Join the RHS today and support our charitable work Join now. Hot links Browse inspiration articles Buy plants online. Buy tickets. RHS members get reduced ticket prices Join now. Harlow Carr North Yorkshire. Hyde Hall Essex. Rosemoor Devon. Wisley Surrey. Bridgewater Greater Manchester. Environmentally friendly gardening.

Plant health. Take part in our research. Meet the team. Shop plants rhsplants. Shopping with the RHS. RHS Christmas gifts. Help us achieve our goals Make a donation. Join the RHS today and support our charity Join now.

Save to My scrapbook. Quick facts. Cultivation notes Growing in the soil Lavender is best planted between April and May as the soil is warming up.