How to Grow Lavender in Pots: An Expert Guide
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Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is an asset in any garden. It's 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 it's 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.
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.
Planting Lavender in Pots
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and grows best in light, well-draining soil and sunny, dry conditions.
Choose a terracotta, clay, or wood pot since these materials leech excess water from soil, keeping your plant on the dry side. Large square, rectangular or round pots provide better stability than cone-shaped pots and must have plenty of drainage holes. Add coarse sand, vermiculite and perlite to the potting mix for improved drainage.
Choose a pot at least 2 in. larger than the current container and 1/3 the height of the lavender plant when it's in bloom.
Mix together potting soil, sand, and perlite or vemiculite and place several inches in the bottom of the container.
Remove the lavender plant from its current pot and gently shake excess soil from the roots.
Set the plant in the container, feathering out and backfilling around the roots until the crown of the plant is sitting at the same level as in its original pot.
Avoid overfilling the pot, leaving about 1-inch opening at the top to allow for watering.
Place your potted lavender in a sunny spot and water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes at the bottom.
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 won't 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 you've used as well as weather conditions in your area. Check the soil on a regular basis by poking in a finger. Don't wait until your plant begins to look wilted and droopy. (Moisture meters aren't 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.
Pruning and Harvesting
Harvest lavender flower spikes either in the bud stage or after flowers have opened, removing spikes down to the first set of leaves. Avoid cutting into the woody part of the plant. Keep harvesting flowers to encourage more blooms and extend the blooming period.
A light pruning can be done after the bloom period ends in autumn. Prune back to woody growth to help young plants direct energy back into the roots. Heavy pruning up to 1/3 of the plant should not be done until early spring after new green growth has appeared at the base of the lavender plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lavender grow well in pots?
Yes, almost all lavenders grow quite well in pots. Dwarf and smaller varieties are better suited, but even large lavenders that mature into small shrubs can be grown in pots for several years before being transplanted into the ground.
Should potted lavender go in sun or shade?
Potted lavender should go in a location that receives bright, direct sunlight daily. A minimum 6 hours is recommended.
Can potted lavender stay outside in winter?
Potted lavender can remain outside all year in the warmest growing zones with the mildest winters. In USDA growing zones lower than 8, it's best to move your potted lavender into a garage, porch, or unheated outbuilding for winter.
How do you winterize a potted lavender plant?
To winterize a potted lavender plant, prune it back to its woody stems and move the pot into a protected location. Pots prone to freezing and cracking such as terracotta or clay can be wrapped with blankets or other protective covering. Cut back on watering.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
