Lavender is a beloved plant, recognized for its fragrant flowers and appealing foliage. When this usually resilient plant begins to droop, it can be a source of concern for gardeners. Understanding the reasons behind drooping lavender is the first step toward restoring its health and vitality.
Why Your Lavender is Drooping
Drooping in lavender often signals an underlying problem with its growing conditions or environment. While many plants droop when thirsty, lavender is drought-tolerant, meaning drooping is often a sign of too much water rather than too little.
Water Imbalance
Overwatering is a common reason for lavender to droop, often leading to root rot. Symptoms include yellowing or browning leaves, mushy stems, and constantly wet soil. Conversely, underwatering can also cause drooping, though less frequent for this plant. If the soil is parched and leaves appear crispy, dehydration is the cause.
Environmental Stress
Lavender thrives in warm, sunny conditions, but extreme heat (above 90°F) can cause temporary wilting. This drooping conserves water and often resolves as temperatures cool. Inadequate light also contributes to a weak, leggy plant that may droop due to insufficient energy for sturdy growth.
Soil and Drainage Issues
Poor drainage is a significant factor in lavender drooping, often exacerbating overwatering issues. Lavender requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging around its roots and subsequent root rot. Heavy clay soils or those with too much organic matter retain excessive moisture, making them unsuitable.
Pests or Diseases
Certain pests and diseases can stress lavender plants, leading to wilting. Pests like whiteflies, spider mites, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs feed on plant sap, weakening the plant. Fungal diseases such as root rot and Septoria leaf spot, often from humid conditions or poor air circulation, can also cause foliage to droop and discolour.
Transplant Shock
Moving a lavender plant can induce temporary drooping, known as transplant shock. This occurs due to root disturbance and the plant’s adjustment to a new environment, including changes in soil, moisture, and temperature. Symptoms typically appear shortly after relocation, including wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves.
Immediate Steps to Revive Drooping Lavender
Addressing the cause of drooping quickly can help revive your lavender. The approach varies based on the identified problem.
Water Imbalance
If overwatering is suspected, cease watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. For potted plants, ensure drainage holes are clear and consider repotting into a better-draining mix if waterlogged. For underwatered plants, provide a thorough, deep watering, ensuring water penetrates the root zone.
Environmental Stress
For environmental stress, move potted lavender to a location with afternoon shade during extreme heat, or to a sunnier spot if light was insufficient. For heat stress, avoid additional watering, as drooping is a response to temperature, not thirst.
Soil and Drainage Issues
To rectify soil and drainage issues, improve the soil. If potted, repot into a container with ample drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, possibly adding sand or grit. For in-ground plants, amend the soil with gravel or sand to enhance drainage, or create a raised bed.
Pests or Diseases
Pests can often be removed by blasting them with a strong stream of water, particularly for aphids or spittlebugs. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations, following product instructions. For suspected fungal diseases, remove affected parts and ensure improved air circulation.
Transplant Shock
For transplant shock, maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, and avoid immediate fertilizing. Providing temporary shade can reduce stress, allowing the plant to acclimate. Pruning back about one-third of the plant helps reduce stress on the root system.
Long-Term Care for Healthy Lavender
Maintaining optimal conditions is important for preventing future drooping and promoting robust lavender growth.
Optimal Watering Practices
Optimal watering involves deep, infrequent watering. Established lavender plants generally only require supplemental water during prolonged dry periods or extreme heat. For potted plants, water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings, checking moisture levels several inches deep.
Lavender Requires Full Sun
Lavender requires full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct, unobstructed sunlight daily for healthy growth and abundant blooms. Position plants in the sunniest part of the garden to ensure adequate light.
Soil and Drainage Maintenance
Soil and drainage maintenance are crucial for lavender’s well-being. Lavender prefers well-draining, slightly alkaline soil, ideally sandy or gravelly. Amending heavy clay soils with sand or grit before planting improves drainage and prevents root issues.
Regular Pruning
Regular pruning promotes air circulation, maintains plant shape, and encourages new growth. Prune hardy lavenders after flowering in late summer or early fall, cutting back about one-third of the plant’s height to just above new shoots. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems where new growth is unlikely to emerge.
Good Air Circulation
Good air circulation around lavender plants prevents fungal diseases that thrive in humid, stagnant conditions. Proper spacing and regular pruning contribute to better airflow, keeping foliage dry and discouraging pathogens.