Lavender is one of the most popular garden plants – fragrant, attractive, drought-tolerant and loved by bees. With the right care, it will thrive for many years.
Choosing the right variety
- English lavender (L. angustifolia): The hardiest type, best for UK gardens. Varieties include 'Hidcote' (dark purple), 'Munstead' (compact), and 'Alba' (white).
- French lavender (L. stoechas): Distinctive "rabbit ear" petals. Less hardy – best in sheltered spots or containers.
- Lavandin (L. x intermedia): Vigorous hybrids with long stems. Good for hedging. 'Grosso' and 'Phenomenal' are popular.
Where to plant
Lavender needs:
- Full sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Good drainage: Lavender hates wet feet. Heavy clay or waterlogged soil will kill it.
- Poor to average soil: Rich soil produces leggy growth with fewer flowers.
If your soil is heavy, plant in raised beds or add plenty of grit to improve drainage.
Planting
- Plant in spring or early autumn.
- Space plants 30-45cm apart for a hedge, or 60cm for individual plants.
- Do not add compost or fertiliser – lavender prefers lean soil.
- Water well after planting, then sparingly once established.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to keep lavender compact and prevent it becoming woody and bare at the base.
- After flowering: Trim off spent flower stalks and about 2-3cm of leafy growth.
- Spring: Give a harder trim in early spring, cutting back by about a third.
- Never cut into old wood: Lavender rarely regrows from bare stems.
Unpruned lavender becomes leggy and woody within a few years and will need replacing.
Watering and feeding
Established lavender is drought-tolerant and rarely needs watering except in prolonged dry spells. Overwatering is more likely to cause problems than underwatering.
Do not feed lavender – fertiliser encourages soft growth that is prone to disease and reduces flowering.
Common problems
- Woody, bare stems: Caused by lack of pruning. Prevention is better than cure – once woody, plants rarely recover.
- Root rot: Caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Improve drainage or move to a raised bed.
- Winter damage: French lavender is less hardy. Protect with fleece or grow in containers that can be moved under cover.
Harvesting
Cut flower stems just as the buds begin to open for the strongest fragrance. Dry by hanging in bunches in a warm, airy place. Use in sachets, potpourri, or for cooking.
Lavender typically lives 10-15 years with good care. Take cuttings in summer to have replacement plants ready when old ones decline.
Written by Dave Thompson
Professional Gardener & Founder
Dave has over 15 years of experience in garden maintenance across Staffordshire. He founded Hedge Cutting Staffordshire in 2009 and has helped hundreds of homeowners create and maintain beautiful gardens. When he's not out trimming hedges or advising clients, he's testing the latest garden tools and sharing practical tips on this blog.
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