Lavender, known for its distinctive fragrance and silvery-green foliage, is a highly sought-after plant for gardens and landscapes. Once established, it requires low maintenance and is versatile in culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications. Choosing where to purchase lavender involves considering the available selection, plant quality, and expert advice. This guide explores the various retail avenues for acquiring healthy lavender plants.
Purchasing from Specialty Nurseries and Local Growers
Specialty nurseries and local growers provide a distinct advantage in plant health and expertise. Their staff possesses deep knowledge about Lavandula species and local cultivation best practices. They can offer advice tailored precisely to your soil type and microclimate conditions, which is invaluable for a plant sensitive to drainage and humidity.
These growers stock regionally adapted cultivars proven to thrive locally, such as cold-tolerant English varieties like ‘Munstead’ or ‘Hidcote’ for northern zones. Buying locally ensures the plants have not endured the stress of long-distance shipping, resulting in more established root systems and less transplant shock. This source often provides larger, more mature starter plants or unique heirloom varieties not found in mass-market settings.
Finding Lavender at Large Retail Garden Centers
Large retail garden centers, including big box stores, are the most accessible option due to their convenience and broad geographical presence. These locations focus on mass-produced, robust varieties known to ship well and survive common garden conditions. Common choices include English varieties (Lavandula angustifolia) and Lavandin hybrids (Lavandula x intermedia), valued for their general hardiness. The main benefit is the ability to purchase plants quickly and often at a competitive price during peak spring planting season. However, staff may lack specialized knowledge, and the selection is often limited to the most popular varieties. Plants may also suffer from inconsistent care during transport or display.
Buying Lavender Plants Online
Purchasing lavender online provides access to an unparalleled selection of species and cultivars, including rare or newly developed hybrids unavailable locally. Dedicated online nurseries can ship varieties bred for specific characteristics, such as increased heat tolerance (‘Phenomenal’) or high essential oil content (‘Grosso’). This method is useful for sourcing Spanish (L. stoechas) or French (L. dentata) lavenders, which are less cold-hardy and difficult to find in northern regions. Online orders arrive either as potted plants, offering immediate convenience, or as bare-root plants, which are dormant and shipped without soil. Bare-root options are often more cost-effective and lighter to ship, but they require immediate attention upon arrival. Always verify the seller’s reputation and shipping method, as prompt transplanting is necessary for the plant’s survival.
Evaluating Plant Quality and Selecting the Right Variety
Regardless of the purchasing location, inspecting the plant before buying ensures a successful outcome. A healthy lavender plant should exhibit silvery-green, vibrant foliage and firm, non-woody stems near the base. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves (indicating overwatering or poor drainage) or signs of pests, such as sticky residue or visible insects. If possible, gently check the root system; roots should be white and firm, not brown or circling tightly against the pot’s walls, which signals being root-bound.
The most important step for long-term success is selecting a variety compatible with your local climate, defined by your USDA hardiness zone. English lavender (L. angustifolia) and its hybrids are the most reliably cold-hardy, surviving down to Zone 5. Spanish and French lavenders are better suited for warmer climates, typically thriving only in Zone 8 and above.