Lavender (Lavandula spp.) loves sunlight, but there are some shade-tolerant varieties of lavender to consider. Many species of lavender will grow in partial shade and exhibit moderate shade tolerance, but vigor and full blooms are hard to come by in such conditions. If you want strong plants and a heavy aroma from your lavender, you should plant it in a location with full sun and little or no shade.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, USDA zones 5-8) grows best in full sun and on well-draining soil, but it is somewhat shade tolerant and will still grow under low light. Under optimal conditions, it can reach a height of 2 feet and a width of 3 feet. Soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.3 for optimal growing conditions, whether the lavender is in full or partial sun. Use a soil tester to determine the pH. More Like This
In shade, it is less likely to achieve full size, though a limited amount of shade is still acceptable for growth. Do not overwater shade-tolerant varieties of lavender plants, and make sure the soil can drain to avoid root rot. The potpourri-like scent of English lavender is weaker in low light and moist conditions.
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flowering plant that is beloved for its endless versatility and year-round appeal From culinary delights to skin care products and aromatherapy, lavender has cemented its place as a garden staple. However, many gardeners wonder if this sun-loving plant can grow successfully with limited sunlight The answer is yes – lavender can grow in partial shade with the right care and conditions.
An Overview of Lavender’s Sun Requirements
Lavender thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily for ideal growth. With insufficient sunlight, the plant may experience reduced flowering, lower oil production, and leggy growth. That being said, some varieties are more tolerant of partial shade than others. With strategic planting and proper care, lavender can flourish even with 4-6 hours of sun per day.
Choosing the Right Lavender Variety for Partial Shade
When selecting lavender for partial shade, choose compact varieties over taller types, which tend to become leggy with inadequate light. Here are some top shade-tolerant lavender varieties
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English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – The most popular lavender variety. It has showy purple blooms on short 18-24 inch plants. ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ cultivars grow well in partial shade.
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Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) – Identified by its showy rabbit-ear flowers atop 20-30 inch mounded plants. The ‘Otto Quast’ cultivar tolerates partial shade well.
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French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) – A neatly mounded 12-18 inch variety with serrated grey-green leaves and purple blooms It has the best shade tolerance among French lavenders.
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Italian Lavender (Lavandula ×intermedia) – A sterile hybrid combining English and French lavenders. ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ are more shade tolerant cultivars.
Where to Plant Lavender in Partial Shade
When planting lavender in partial shade, choose spots that receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as evening shade can extend the period of moisture on the plant, increasing disease risk. East-facing walls, building foundations, and the north side of structures create ideal morning sun and afternoon shade. Dappled shade under trees can also work well.
Preparing the Soil
Lavender thrives in lean, sandy, well-draining soil. Improve dense, clayey, or moist soils by mixing in 2-4 inches of coarse sand or gravel. You can also build raised beds for better drainage. Lavender prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5-7.5. Test soil pH and amend if needed before planting.
Providing Adequate Air Circulation
Allow plenty of space between plants for air circulation, which is essential for reducing moisture and disease risk. For English lavender, space plants 18-24 inches apart. Allow 24-36 inches between French and Spanish lavenders. Avoid crowding plants.
Watering Wisely
Lavender flourishes with deep, infrequent watering. Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent fungal issues. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to preserve moisture. Drip irrigation works very well.
Fertilizing Lightly
Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost when planting lavender. In subsequent seasons, apply a low nitrogen fertilizer once in spring. Excess nitrogen causes weak, floppy growth prone to disease.
Pruning for Optimal Growth
Prune lavender lightly in spring to shape plants. Remove dead growth anytime. After flowering ends, prune off spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, as new growth is susceptible to frost damage.
Providing Winter Protection
Low, compact varieties only need light winter mulching. Wrap taller varieties to protect from winter dieback. Place an 8-12 inch layer of straw or evergreen boughs over plants after the ground freezes. Remove mulch in spring once danger of frost has passed.
With strategic planting techniques, wise watering and fertilization practices, and the right care, lavender can thrive wonderfully in partial shade conditions. Try planting shade-tolerant lavenders in spots with morning sun and afternoon shade for best results. With a bit of patience and TLC, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of lavender even in partially shaded garden beds.
Growing Lavender in Shade
If you grow lavender in the shade, the plant will probably be somewhat stunted in growth and will not produce as many fragrant blooms. A spot with some dappled shade will be better than full shade, so choose a spot with as much sunlight as possible for your lavender plants.
If you find no light is getting to the plant at all, it may be a good idea to transplant it to a sunnier spot. One of the problems with growing lavender in shade is the risk of root rot. Without lots of sun, soil has trouble drying, which can lead to this fungal disease affecting the plant. Provide quick-draining soil, water only in the morning and allow plenty of space between plants to prevent this problem.
Other Shade-Tolerant Species
Some types of lavender exhibit moderate to minimal shade tolerance but will not grow vigorously without mostly sunny exposure. These somewhat shade-tolerant varieties of lavender include Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas, zones 7-9), French lace lavender (Lavandula multifida, zones 8-10) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata, zones 8-9). These species grow best under full sun or sun with some clouds, but extreme shade can be detrimental to their growth and flowering.
Will Lavender Grow IN SHADE | Lavender plants in pots
FAQ
Is 5 hours of sun enough for lavender?
TIP 1: Lavender needs full sun; a minimum of 6 to 8 hours. TIP 2: Lavender does not like “wet” feet, so give it a good soak and then let the plant go dry.
What is the most shade tolerant lavender?
‘Mona Lavender‘ is a shade-loving option that thrives in containers.Sep 28, 2017
Can lavender survive in low light?
Lavender needs well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. It will not survive in the shade; in wet areas, your lavender becomes susceptible to root rot. Make sure you research your specific lavender variety so you’re aware of any special conditions it requires.
What should not be planted next to lavender?
Avoid pairing lavender with types of plants that need shade, moisture, or rich, acidic soil. Shade-loving plants: Betz recommends avoiding placing shade-loving plants, like hosta, fern, astilbe, bleeding heart, and heuchera in the same spot as your lavender plants.
Can lavender grow in partial shade?
If you must grow lavender in partial shade, here are some tips to help it thrive: Even with the best care, growth will still be inferior compared to plants grown in full sunlight. But you can help mitigate problems with proper maintenance. Lavender’s sun requirements can vary slightly depending on your climate: Aim for morning sun only if possible.
Can lavender grow in full sun?
It’s best for these plants to grow in full sun or sun with some clouds. Too much shade can hurt their growth and flowers. With its sweet floral aroma and vibrant purple blooms, lavender is a beloved garden plant. But there’s some confusion around whether this sun-loving Mediterranean herb can tolerate partial shade.
Can English lavender grow in shade?
Below are some of the variations; Although the English lavender grows best in direct sunlight, it can also survive in partial shade. The effects of it growing in the partial shade can create stunted growth. This beauty can reach a growth height of up to 20 inches and a growth width of 25 inches in full sun.
Can Lavandula grow in shade?
Most species of lavender will grow in partial shade, but spike lavender ( Lavandula latifolia , zones 6-9) is an exception. It should be planted in a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil as it may not grow at all if planted in the shade.
Should you plant lavender in shade?
If you garden in a part of the world with overcast skies, seek out lavender varieties bred to handle lower light like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Royal Velvet’. Too much shade results in leggy, weak growth and lackluster flowering.
Can Spanish lavender grow in shade?
Spanish lavender tolerates partial shade. If you absolutely must plant lavender in a partially shaded part of the garden, certain lavender varieties are more willing to tolerate the lack of sunshine. Spanish Lavender, French Lace Lavender, and French Lavender may be slightly more shade tolerant than other types.