Does Lavender Need Full Sunlight to Thrive and Flourish

Different Types Of Lavender

Lavender is a popular plant among gardeners due to its delightful scent and delicate flowers. However, it is important to note that not all types of lavender have the same sun requirements. While lavender generally thrives in full sunlight, there are subtle variations among different varieties.

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most common and widely cultivated lavender type. It is known for its hardiness and ability to flourish in various climates. English lavender plants prefer full sunlight and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They are the optimal choice for gardeners living in temperate regions.

French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), on the other hand, is a more delicate variety when compared to English lavender. It features unique bracts, often referred to as “rabbit ears,” on top of its flower spikes. French lavender plants are less hardy and don’t handle cold temperatures as well as English lavender. Therefore, they are best suited for container gardening, allowing the flexibility to move them indoors during winter or provide protection from harsh weather conditions.

Tender lavender (Lavandula dentata) is another lavender type that requires special care. It is extremely sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. Similar to French lavender, growing tender lavender in containers provides greater control over its environment. These varieties can be excellent additions to sunny patio or balcony gardens.

Overall, understanding the sun requirements of different lavender types can help gardeners select the most suitable varieties for their specific conditions and ensure that these lovely plants thrive.

Container Gardening For French And Tender Lavenders

Container gardening is a great option for growing French and tender lavenders, as it allows for flexibility in moving them indoors during cold weather or protecting them from strong winds.

When choosing a container for your lavender plants, it’s important to select one with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Lavender prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. To achieve optimal drainage, prepare a mixture of potting soil, sand, and perlite.

Find a location for your lavender containers where they can receive full sun for at least six hours a day. This could be a sunny spot on your patio, balcony, or even a south-facing window indoors. It’s also advisable to rotate the pots occasionally to ensure even sunlight exposure.

Water your lavender plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to issues such as root rot. It’s important to monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

During the winter months, when frost and freezing temperatures pose a threat, bring your container-grown French and tender lavender indoors. Place them near a sunny window or under artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light they need to thrive. Maintain the indoor temperature between 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 15 degrees Celsius) to mimic their preferred growing conditions.

Special Care For Lavender From Southern Spain And The Canary Islands

Some specialist types of lavender, particularly those from southern Spain or the Canary Islands, require extra attention and care. These varieties cannot be left outside over winter and must be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.

If you are fortunate enough to have these exotic lavender plants in your garden, consider growing them in containers. This will allow you to bring them indoors during winter or move them to a sheltered location if necessary. Additionally, you can provide extra protection by covering the plants with horticultural fleece or creating a temporary greenhouse around them.

When growing lavender from southern Spain and the Canary Islands, it is important to mimic their native Mediterranean climate. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and prefer well-draining sandy soil. Supplemental watering may be necessary during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

These lavender plants also benefit from regular pruning to keep them compact and encourage more flowering. Prune them lightly after they finish blooming to maintain their shape and promote new growth. Avoid pruning them too heavily, as it may reduce their winter hardiness.

Buying Lavender Plants From Garden Centers And Online

When purchasing lavender plants, consider the following tips to ensure healthy and vigorous specimens:

• Look for plants sold in containers, indicating they have established root systems and have been well-cared for.
• Avoid plants that appear wilted, leggy, or have yellowing leaves, as these signs may indicate poor health.
• Inspect the plant’s foliage for any signs of pests or diseases.
• Healthy lavender plants should have green leaves without damage or discoloration.
• Check under the leaves and along the stems for common pests like aphids or spider mites.
• Consider buying from reputable sources, such as local garden centers or reputable online nurseries.
• Read customer reviews and check if the supplier guarantees the health and quality of their plants.

This will ensure you are getting healthy plants ready to thrive in your garden.

Limited Choices For Buying Lavender Plug Plants

While lavender plants can be easily obtained from garden centers and online sources, buying them as plug plants from mail-order suppliers in spring might offer limited choices in terms of cultivars.

Plug plants are small, nursery-raised plants that are ready for transplanting into larger containers or directly into the ground. They are often sold in trays or bundles, and their availability and selection may vary depending on the supplier.

When buying lavender plug plants, it is essential to choose a supplier that specializes in healthy and well-rooted plugs. Research the reputation of the supplier and read customer reviews to ensure you are getting good quality plants.

While the selection of cultivars may be limited when purchasing lavender as plug plants, this can still be an economical way to start your lavender garden. Consider purchasing a variety of plugs to create a mixed lavender landscape, combining different colors and fragrances. With proper care, these young plants will quickly grow and fill your garden with the mesmerizing beauty and delightful scent of lavender.

---

Check this out:

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lavender survive in shade?

Lavender, unfortunately, does not fare well in shady conditions. This aromatic plant has a dislike for shade, as well as wet, freezing, and heavy soils. To thrive, lavender requires ample sunlight and well-draining soil. If the winter conditions are not suitable, some less hardy varieties may need protection, with minimal watering to prevent issues like rotting and grey mold. Therefore, it is crucial to provide lavender with the appropriate growing conditions to ensure its survival and vitality.

Can lavender get too much sun?

While lavender is a sun-loving plant, it is possible for it to receive too much sun. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched or wilted, and the plant may struggle to retain moisture. It is important to find a balance and provide adequate shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the lavender from getting sunburned or dehydrated. Observing the plant’s behavior and adjusting its sun exposure accordingly can help ensure optimal growth and health.

Is multi purpose compost OK for lavender?

Yes, multi-purpose compost can be used for lavender, especially if you are planting it in pots. For the best results, mix one part horticultural grit with two parts multi-purpose compost to ensure proper drainage. Additionally, adding a small amount of fertilizer to the pot every spring will promote blooming throughout the season. Remember to use pots with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and maintain the health of your lavender plant.

Can you grow lavender in a north facing garden?

Although north-facing gardens receive less sunlight, it is still possible to grow lavender with proper care. While lavender prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, making it a suitable option for a north-facing garden. However, it is important to choose a hardy lavender variety that is more adaptable to lower light conditions. Additionally, providing well-drained soil, regular pruning, and proper watering can help promote the growth of lavender in a garden with limited sunlight.

While it may not thrive as vibrantly as in a sunnier garden, lavender can still add a touch of beauty and fragrance to your north-facing garden with the right approach. By selecting the right lavender variety and implementing appropriate gardening techniques, you can create a charming and aromatic oasis despite the lack of direct sunlight.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4