Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is an asset in any garden. Its highly fragrant, produces beautiful blooms, attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and performs equally well in herb, flower and rock gardens, in borders, and in pots.
Several lavender species with numerous cultivars are available, but its not always easy to know which type of lavender to plant where. Here are some expert tips about how to grow lavender in pots, including suggestions for choosing a good lavender to grow in a pot.
Growing lavender in pots is a great way to add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space. With its attractive foliage, vibrant flowers, and pleasant aroma, lavender makes a fantastic container plant.
However, success when growing lavender in pots depends largely on using the right potting soil. Lavender has particular soil needs that must be met if you want your plants to thrive.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the ideal potting mix for lavender containers You’ll learn about lavender’s soil preferences, avoiding common mistakes, and recipes for making customized lavender potting soil
Understanding Lavender’s Soil Needs
To choose the optimal potting soil, the first step is understanding what type of growing medium lavender requires. Here are the key factors to consider:
Exceptional Drainage
Excellent drainage is by far the most crucial element for growing lavender in containers. Lavender absolutely cannot tolerate wet, soggy soil.
In fact, poor drainage is the number one cause of failure when growing lavender in pots The plant originated in hot, dry Mediterranean regions and is adapted to loose, sandy soils that drain rapidly.
When soil stays overly damp, it robs the roots of oxygen. This leads to root rot and quick death of the plant.
Low Nutrient Levels
Lavender prefers soil with low fertility and few nutrients. Providing too much fertilizer or rich organic matter causes excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Overfed lavender also becomes more susceptible to fungal diseases. The key is choosing a lean, mineral-poor potting mix.
Neutral to Slightly Alkaline pH
Lavender thrives best in neutral to mildly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. Acidic soils below pH 6 can impair lavender’s ability to take up nutrients from the soil, resulting in poor growth.
What to Avoid When Choosing Potting Soil
When selecting potting soil for lavender there are a few things you want to steer clear of
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Heavy garden soil – Clay soils and soils high in silt content easily become waterlogged. The dense structure prevents proper aeration and drainage.
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Peat-based potting mix – While peat moss helps retain moisture, it will keep soil too wet for lavender’s preferences.
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Soils with added compost or fertilizers – The nutrients and organic matter will promote excessive foliage growth rather than flowers. Plus, it may increase soil acidity.
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Regular potting soil – Standard potting mixes do not provide the fast drainage lavender roots need.
Making Custom Potting Soil for Lavender
The best way to ensure you have an ideal growing medium is to make a customized potting soil blend specifically for lavender.
We recommend mixing one part sterile potting soil or coir with one part amendment to create the perfect balance of water retention and drainage.
Here are two simple recipes:
1 Part Potting Soil + 1 Part Perlite or Coarse Sand
Combining standard potting soil with equal parts perlite or coarse builder’s sand gives lavender the quick drainage it requires.
The small white perlite particles or sand grains create spaces for excess water to easily flow out of the container.
Be sure to use horticultural perlite, not industrial perlite grades which may contain harmful substances. Play sand or river sand also work well.
1 Part Potting Soil + 1 Part Cactus/Succulent Mix
Many gardeners also have success blending equal parts potting soil and cactus/succulent potting mix. The cactus soil contains porous pumice or gravel that improves drainage.
We recommend using bagged cactus/succulent soil as opposed to making your own mix. Bagged mixes are sterilized so they won’t introduce diseases to your lavender plants.
No matter which recipe you use, do not add any supplemental fertilizer or compost. The lean, low-nutrient soil will produce the best lavender plants.
Tips for Amending Soil for Lavender Containers
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when customizing potting soil for lavender:
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If needed, you can adjust the water retention and drainage of the mix by increasing or decreasing the ratio of potting soil to amendment.
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To maximize drainage, use potting soil specifically formulated for cactus/succulents rather than standard multipurpose potting soil. Or amend with extra perlite/sand.
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When re-potting lavender, avoid disturbing the root ball. Carefully place the root ball atop fresh amended potting mix.
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Always use new, sterile potting soil. Reused soil may harbor diseases that could infect your new lavender plantings.
Fertilizing Lavender in Containers
One thing to remember with lavender is that it requires very minimal fertilizer, if any. Too much fertilizing can cause excessive foliage growth and few flowers.
Apply a dilute, balanced fertilizer at half the normal rate once in early spring. Then avoid fertilizing again for the rest of the season.
If you must fertilize later in summer, use a bloom-boosting or phosphorus-only fertilizer to promote flowering rather than leafy growth.
Providing Proper Drainage for Lavender Pots
No matter how well-draining the potting soil, lavender containers must have adequate drainage holes. If excess water cannot escape out the bottom of the pots, the roots will sit in wet soil and be prone to rotting.
Choose containers with several large holes, or drill extra holes in the bottom if needed. Place pots on risers or feet to allow airflow under pots.
Avoid using saucers under lavender pots. If you must have a saucer to protect surfaces, empty excess water that collects in the saucer after watering so pots aren’t left sitting in water.
Choosing the right potting soil is critical for success when cultivating lavender in containers. Lavender requires a mix that drains rapidly but still supplies a small amount of moisture retention.
The best way to create an ideal growing medium is to amend sterile potting soil with equal parts perlite, coarse sand, or cactus/succulent soil. This custom blend will provide the perfect environment for lavender roots to thrive.
Following the recommendations in this guide will help ensure your potted lavender plants grow vigorously and put on a gorgeous floral display.
Caring For Lavender in Pots
Keep your potted lavender in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. If you grow a tender or half hardy variety or one that is not winter hardy in your growing zone, move the pot into a garage or other unheated shelter for overwintering.
Lavender plants wont tolerate soggy soil so allow your potted plants to dry before watering deeply and thoroughly. How often to water will depend on the type of pot and soil youve used as well as weather conditions in your area. Check the soil on a regular basis by poking in a finger. Dont wait until your plant begins to look wilted and droopy. (Moisture meters arent recommended since they may not give accurate readings for the type of loose, sandy soil lavender plants require.)
A light layer of small pebbles on top of the soil also helps retain moisture while not allowing soil to become soggy.
Lavender plants thrive in poor soils; however, potted plants quickly use up all available nutrients. You may need to fertilize occasionally with a liquid organic seaweed or kelp solution. Repotting your plant about every two years with new potting medium also replenishes nutrients. Repot before new growth begins in spring in a pot about 2 inches larger.
Best Lavender For Growing in Pots
Some of the best lavender choices for container growing are tender or half hardy varieties, as well as a few dwarf cultivars. Even those that mature into small shrubs can be started in pots and moved into the garden as in-ground plants after several years.
These three cultivars from the four main species of lavender are all good choices for growing as potted plants.
- Lavandula augustifolia Thumbelina Leigh: Small with a compact rounded habit, this dwarf English variety features two-tone violet and blue flowers on plump flower spikes. 12 in. tall x 14 in. wide. Hardy in USDA growing zones 5 to 9 and evergreen in warmer zones.
- Lavandula ginginsii Goodwin Creek Grey: Although a bit taller at 24 to 36 in., this French lavender is perfect in a large pot. Silver foliage sets off deep purple blooms from early summer through autumn. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
- Lavandula stoechas Silver Anouk: Silvery foliage with two-toned flowers make this Spanish lavender a standout in containers and rock gardens. Violet butterfly wing petals top the deep plum flowers. 10 to 14 in. tall by 12 to 18 in. wide, and hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
How to Grow Lavender in Containers or the Ground
FAQ
What is the best potting soil for potted lavender?
Type: Lavender prefers well-draining soil. A sandy or loamy mix is ideal. pH: Aim for a slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Mix: Consider using a potting mix formulated for cacti or succulents, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Is cactus potting mix good for lavender?
Lavender is a Mediterranean herb where soils are very sandy and the climate is sunny and dry. Some advocate using cactus mix for lavender as traditional potting mix is designed to hold moisture. Once it germinates, bright light is required and preferably outdoors.
What potting medium for lavender?
All varieties of lavender are native to Mediterranean regions having loose, sandy soils that drain freely. To replicate those conditions for your potted plants, consider adding some perlite or coarse sand to your potting mix to help facilitate drainage and prevent root rot caused by soggy soil.
Is Miracle-Gro potting soil good for lavender?
A few notes on potting soil. Lavender plants prefer sandy loam soil. A good choice for your indoor lavender plant is Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix .Dec 21, 2022
What compost is best for lavender plants in pots?
Again, good drainage is required so do ensure the pot has generous drainage holes in the base. Ideally choose a good size pot of at least 30cm across or larger and fill with an equal mix of soilless compost, John Innes no 2 or 3 compost and finally coarse grit so that the pot drains quite sharply during the Winter.
How to repot lavender in pots?
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1. Choose the Right Pot:Select a pot that is only a few inches larger than the original pot to avoid overwatering.
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2. Prepare the Pot:Add a layer of gravel or packing peanuts to the bottom of the new pot for drainage. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as peat-free mix with added perlite or sand.
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3. Remove the Lavender:Gently tap the edges of the old pot to loosen the lavender, then carefully lift it out, keeping the root ball intact.
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4. Loosen the Roots:Gently massage the outer edges of the root ball to encourage new root growth in the new pot.
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5. Plant the Lavender:Place the lavender in the new pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil line. Fill around the root ball with potting mix, leaving a little space at the top for watering.
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6. Water and Mulch:Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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7. Sunlight:Place the potted lavender in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Which potting soil is best for lavender?
Lavender prefers sandy loam soil that is well-aerated, well-drained, and rife with nutrients. There are several potting soil mixes that gardeners use to grow lavender. Yet gardeners consider few of these risk-free and reliable. Well-drained potting soil alone, for instance, doesn’t work for the plant.
Does lavender grow in pots?
Lavender thrives in these pots. The reason for this is that the pot actually provides excellent root aeration, and allows water to drain through the soil and then wick back to the plant at a very low rate. The plant is thus provided with excellent drainage, well-aerated soil, and just enough water for it to thrive.
How do you grow lavender in potting soil?
You can then plant your lavender. Keep egg shells and crush these and sprinkle them on the surface of your potting soil. Eggshells really help keep the pH high and lavender thrives on soil with eggshells added. If you have chosen either of the above soils for your lavender, remember to now prepare this mix by making sure it is completely mixed.
How to grow lavender?
The first step to cultivating lavender is choosing suitable potting soil. It’s also the most critical step that will help grow the plant. If you start with the wrong soil, growing lavender will be a terrible experience. Many gardeners trying to grow lavender for the first time fail miserably.
How do you plant a lavender plant in a container?
If your chosen container doesn’t have drainage holes in the bottom, add them before planting the lavender. Lavender plants grow in a roughly circular outline about 18 inches in diameter. Pots 36 inches or larger in diameter can fit more than one lavender plant. 2. Use a well-draining potting mix.
How do you grow French lavender?
To grow a garden with lush purple mounds of French lavender, you need the right soil. The Mediterranean has dry, gravelly soil with little organic plant matter. It’s easy to make your own soil mix to provide lavender plants with these exact conditions.