Inside: Learn how to grow and care for lavender plants with this guide. Discover the best lavender varieties, growing tips, and maintenance for a thriving garden.

Lavender plants are a beloved addition to gardens worldwide, known for their fragrant blooms and low-maintenance care requirements. As a perennial herb, lavender provides year-round beauty while attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this guide will help you understand how to grow and maintain different lavender varieties successfully.

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Table of Contents

Care & Growing Guide for Lavender Plants: A Perennial Plant

A couple of years ago I tried growing lavender from seed, again, but for the first time, I had success! I started them in my small hydroponic system, something I use to start my herb garden each year. I had tried lavender before but it always died in my hydroponic setup before I could do anything with it.

When it was time to move it outside I decided to have it outside my greenhouse in the raised beds my husband built me. I didn't think it would last. And I'll be honest it got a little overshadowed by my lemon balm plant that I didn't realize when get so huge. But it grew! Each year, I have a lavender plant that lives in each of my raised beds. It has a woody stem that makes it easy to know exactly where the plant is all year, even through the winter.

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Understanding Lavender Varieties

Lavender plants come in several varieties, each with unique characteristics suited to different climates and growing conditions. The three main lavender varieties include:

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – The most common variety, English lavender thrives in temperate climates and produces highly fragrant lavender flowers. It is best suited for culinary use and essential oils.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) – Recognizable by its serrated leaves and long-lasting blooms, French lavender is ideal for warm climates but is less hardy in cold weather.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) – Known for its distinctive “rabbit ear” blooms, Spanish lavender is highly ornamental and thrives in hot, dry conditions.

raised garden bed - pressure treated lumber used

Choosing the Right Location

Lavender plants flourish in warm, sunny environments. When selecting a planting site, ensure the following conditions are met:

Full Sun – Lavender requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce an abundance of purple flowers.
Well-Drained Soil – Lavender does not tolerate waterlogged roots. Ensure soil has good drainage by adding sand or gravel if necessary.
Alkaline Soil – A slightly alkaline soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal for healthy growth.

Planting Lavender

The best time to plant lavender depends on your climate:

Early Spring – In cooler climates, plant lavender after the last frost to give it ample time to establish before winter.
Late Summer or Early Fall – In warmer regions, planting in late summer or early fall allows roots to develop before the heat of the following summer.

When planting lavender, space plants about 12–18 inches apart to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of illness.

Watering and Feeding Lavender Plants

Lavender plants are drought-tolerant once established but require careful watering during their first year:

First Year – Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
Mature Plants – Water deeply but infrequently, approximately once every two weeks, depending on rainfall.
Fertilizing – Lavender does not need heavy feeding. A light application of compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring can encourage healthy growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning helps keep lavender plants healthy and productive, and also keeps them as compact plants, especially along a rock garden, it also

New Growth – In early spring, trim back about one-third of the plant to encourage new growth and a bushier shape.
After Flowering – Remove spent flowers throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering.
Late Summer Pruning – Lightly trim plants after the final bloom of the season to maintain their shape.

Winter Care for Lavender

Lavender is a hardy perennial plant, but winter care varies by variety and climate you do need to lightly prune outdoor plants before the first frost to minimize damage for the winter months and from snow while ensuring they receive enough light and good air circulation even in winter temperatures.

Common Pests and Problems

Lavender plants are relatively pest-resistant, but a few issues may arise:

Root Rot – Prevented by ensuring well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
Aphids and Spittlebugs – Can be controlled with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.
Fungal Illness – Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning regularly.

Harvesting and Using Lavender

Growing lavender plants can be a rewarding experience, providing beauty, fragrance, and multiple uses in your garden. By choosing the right lavender varieties, ensuring proper growing conditions, and maintaining healthy plants, you can enjoy these resilient and versatile perennials year after year.

Culinary Uses

Lavender-Infused Honey – Add fresh lavender to honey for a floral, aromatic sweetener.
Lavender Lemonade – Steep lavender in hot water, strain, and mix with lemon juice and sweetener.
Baked Goods – Add finely chopped lavender to cookies, cakes, or scones for a subtle floral flavor.
Lavender Tea – Steep fresh lavender buds in hot water for a calming herbal tea.
Lavender Syrup – Simmer lavender with sugar and water to create a syrup for cocktails, coffee, or desserts.
Lavender Butter – Blend fresh lavender into softened butter for spreading on bread or melting over vegetables.
Herbal Seasoning – Mix with rosemary and thyme to season meats, roasted veggies, or soups.

Health & Wellness Uses

Aromatherapy – Place fresh sprigs in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam for relaxation.
Lavender Bath – Add fresh lavender to a warm bath for a soothing soak.
DIY Skincare – Infuse lavender in oil or use it in homemade scrubs and face masks.
Headache Relief – Rub fresh lavender between your fingers and inhale the scent to ease tension.

Household Uses

Natural Air Freshener – Hang fresh lavender bundles around the home for a pleasant scent.
DIY Cleaning Spray – Infuse vinegar with lavender for a natural antibacterial cleaner.
Bug Repellent – Place lavender near windows or doorways to help deter mosquitoes and flies.
Drawer Sachets – Dry fresh lavender and place it in sachets to keep clothes smelling fresh.

Craft & Decor Uses

Floral Arrangements – Use fresh lavender in bouquets or table centerpieces.
Homemade Candles – Add lavender sprigs to homemade candles for a fragrant touch.
Pressed Flower Art – Press fresh lavender in books for use in DIY greeting cards or framed art.
Lavender Wreaths – Weave fresh lavender into wreaths for a rustic home decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender

Is lavender a perennial in Canada? All varieties of lavender

are sun lovers, semi-woody, semi-evergreen, perennials, and thrive in well-drained soil.

Does lavender repel bugs? Lavender scares away moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. For centuries, this lilac-colored plant has been used to add a sweet and pleasant fragrance to homes and clothing drawers.

Should lavender be in a container? Lavender doesn't spread like some other perennials, but it does have a large root network that spreads underground.