Lavender
Lavandula
Fragrant, drought-tolerant aromatic shrubs with silvery foliage and purple flower spikes; prefers full sun, lean well-drained soil, and good air circulation.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Lavender plant and concentrated essential oils can cause gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in pets; avoid ingestion and large oil exposure.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Lavender needs at least 6–8 hours of strong sunlight daily. Place pots on a south- or west-facing windowsill, balcony or in a sunny garden bed. If indoors, rotate plants regularly and use supplemental grow light in dim climates to prevent legginess.
Water
Water deeply but infrequently: allow the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of soil to dry before watering. Use a gritty, free-draining mix and pots with drainage holes. Avoid standing water or constant wet soil; reduce frequency in winter dormancy.
Humidity
Lavender prefers low humidity like its Mediterranean origins. Provide good air circulation, avoid misting, and don't crowd plants. If indoor humidity is very high, use a fan or place plants in a drier room.
Temperature
Ideal daytime 15–25°C (59–77°F). Tolerates brief dips to about -10°C (14°F) and heat up to 35°C (95°F) if soil drains well; protect from prolonged frost.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing, soft foliage and collapse
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage causing root rot
Solution: Stop watering, allow soil to dry, repot into gritty, fast-draining mix; trim rotted roots and reduce watering frequency.
Leggy growth with few flowers
Cause: Insufficient light or lack of regular pruning
Solution: Move to full sun, pinch back growing tips in spring, prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth.
Gray mold or powdery mildew on leaves
Cause: High humidity, poor air circulation or prolonged wet foliage
Solution: Remove affected material, increase ventilation and sunlight, avoid overhead watering; use a fungicide for severe outbreaks.
Sticky residue, curled leaves or stunted new growth
Cause: Aphids, whiteflies or other sap-sucking pests
Solution: Blast with water, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, encourage predators like ladybugs; inspect regularly.
✂️How to Propagate Lavender
Stem cuttings: take 8–10 cm semi-ripe cuttings in late spring/summer, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone and insert into a free-draining mix (perlite and compost). Keep bright, humid and well-ventilated until roots form. Division: lift clumps in spring, separate healthy shoots with roots and replant. Seed: cold stratify and sow early; germination can be slow and variable.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Lamiaceae
Native to: Native to the Mediterranean basin: southern Europe, northern Africa and parts of western Asia.
Natural Habitat: Sunny, well-drained rocky slopes, scrublands and dry meadows with poor, often alkaline soils; adapted to drought, wind and intense sun.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and keep plant slightly drier. Move potted lavender to a bright, cool spot (around 5–10°C) and protect outdoor crowns from prolonged wet and heavy frost.
Spring
Re-pot if necessary, refresh topsoil, prune spent wood to shape after new growth appears, and increase watering as growth resumes. Plant outdoors after last frost.
Summer
Provide full sun, water deeply only when soil has dried, deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prevent excessive woodiness.
Fall
Cut back lightly after final blooms, stop heavy feeding, apply a light mulch for root protection but keep crowns exposed to avoid rot; reduce watering as growth slows.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water lavender?
Water deeply only when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; typically every 7–14 days in pots, less often in cool months.
Can lavender grow indoors?
Yes, if given 6–8+ hours of direct sun or supplemental grow light, a very free-draining mix, and good air circulation.
When should I prune lavender?
Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove spent blooms; perform harder pruning in spring to remove old woody growth.
Why is my lavender turning brown at the base?
Lower stems naturally become woody; browning at the crown often indicates poor drainage or root rot—check soil and watering.
Can I use lavender cuttings to propagate plants?
Yes. Semi-ripe cuttings root reliably when taken in late spring or early summer and placed in a free-draining medium.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025