Lavender, with its fragrant flowers and silvery foliage, is a favored ornamental plant for many gardeners. The unique “tree” form, often called a standard, elevates this Mediterranean herb, making it a focal point in the garden or on a patio. Successfully planting this standard form requires attention to the specific needs of the lavender species.
Understanding the “Lavender Tree”
The plant commonly sold as a “lavender tree” is not a true tree but a shrub that has been highly trained and pruned into a specific shape. This form, known as a standard, features a single, woody stem topped by a dense, rounded crown of foliage and flowers. Robust varieties like English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) are often used because they respond well to shaping. The single trunk is typically staked for support, which is important due to the top-heavy nature of the crown.
Selecting and Preparing the Planting Site
Selecting the correct site is paramount for the long-term survival of any lavender plant, particularly the standard form. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, requiring full sun exposure—a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. High light levels are necessary for vigorous growth and for the production of aromatic essential oils.
Soil preparation should focus on ensuring excellent drainage, as lavender roots are highly susceptible to rot. The plant thrives in poor, moderately fertile, and well-aerated soil that is sandy or gravelly. If the native soil is heavy clay, it must be amended significantly by incorporating coarse grit, sand, or small stones to improve permeability.
Amending the soil to achieve a slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 6.7 and 7.5, can further optimize conditions for the plant’s health. Planting lavender on a slight mound or in a raised bed is an effective strategy to bypass native soil drainage issues and prevent water from accumulating around the root crown. Providing adequate air circulation around the plant is also beneficial, as it helps prevent the humidity buildup that can encourage fungal diseases.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Begin the planting process by digging a hole that is approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than its height. This wider hole provides loose surrounding soil for the roots to easily expand outward. Before placing the plant, gently tease apart any tightly bound or circling roots to encourage outward growth.
Place the lavender standard into the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Positioning the plant slightly high prevents water from pooling directly against the woody trunk, which quickly leads to collar rot. Backfill the hole with the prepared, well-draining soil mixture, gently firming the soil to eliminate air pockets. Air pockets inhibit root-to-soil contact, slowing establishment.
Essential Care Immediately After Planting
The initial watering should be a thorough soaking immediately after the plant is placed to settle the soil and hydrate the roots. Following this initial watering, the routine must shift to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Newly planted lavender should be watered regularly, perhaps once or twice a week during its first summer, until the root system has established itself.
The top-heavy nature of the standard form often necessitates staking to prevent wind damage before the roots have anchored the plant. If the plant was purchased with a stake, ensure it remains secure, or install a new support to stabilize the trunk against movement. When considering mulch, select an inorganic material like gravel or white stone, which helps to reflect sunlight and keep the root zone dry. Avoid organic mulches, such as wood chips or compost, as they retain too much moisture near the trunk, increasing the risk of rot.