Lavender plants are popular for their delightful fragrance, aesthetic appeal, and drought tolerance once established. Their aromatic foliage and vibrant blooms, often in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white, create a sensory experience in any garden. Lavender also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
Finding Lavender at Lowe’s
At Lowe’s, lavender availability often depends on the season and your specific region, with spring being a prime time for new plant stock. You can expect to find common varieties such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), known for its strong fragrance and cold hardiness, and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), a hybrid often larger and more heat-tolerant. French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) may also be available, particularly in warmer climates, though they are generally less cold-hardy. Checking with your local store is advisable as stock varies.
Selecting a healthy lavender plant requires careful inspection. Look for plants with vibrant, uniform foliage, avoiding any signs of yellowing, wilting, or brown spots, which could indicate overwatering or disease. Stems should appear sturdy, and the plant should have a compact, bushy form. Check the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot; if roots are circling extensively or pushing out, the plant might be root-bound and could require extra attention during planting.
Caring for Your Lavender Plant
Lavender thrives in conditions that mimic its native Mediterranean environment, requiring abundant sunlight and well-draining soil. Providing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily is important for robust growth and prolific blooming. In exceptionally hot climates, a little afternoon shade might offer some relief, but full sun is generally preferred. The plant’s soil preferences lean towards lean, even poor, and slightly alkaline conditions with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Optimal soil for lavender avoids heavy clay, which retains too much moisture and can lead to root rot. Sandy or gravelly soil that allows water to percolate quickly is ideal. Overwatering is a common pitfall for lavender, as it is highly susceptible to root rot. Once established, mature lavender plants are drought-tolerant and typically only require watering every two to three weeks, or when the soil has completely dried out.
Younger plants need more consistent moisture during their first growing season to establish a strong root system, generally requiring water once or twice a week. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering, while dull, droopy leaves might indicate the plant is thirsty. Pruning is also important; an annual trim in late summer, just after flowering, helps maintain a compact shape and encourages new growth and more blooms. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as lavender does not readily produce new growth from this part of the plant.
Planting and Establishing Lavender
Upon bringing your lavender plant home, prompt planting is beneficial to minimize stress and encourage establishment. Lavender can be grown both in the ground or in containers. For in-ground planting, selecting a site with exceptional drainage is paramount. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with coarse sand, grit, or perlite to improve drainage, or plant in a raised bed or mound to elevate the root zone. A mix that includes one-third coarse sand, one-third organic matter like compost (used sparingly), and one-third topsoil can also support good drainage and moderate fertility.
When planting, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root ball, ensuring the plant sits at the same level it was in its original pot, or slightly above the soil line, especially if planting in a mound. If the roots are tightly bound, gently loosen them before placing the plant. After positioning the plant, backfill the hole with prepared soil, gently firming it around the base to remove air pockets. Provide a thorough initial watering to help settle the soil around the roots.
For the first growing season, newly planted lavender benefits from regular watering, typically once or twice a week, to aid in root development, but always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Spacing plants 18 to 36 inches apart allows for adequate air circulation, which is beneficial for plant health.