Planting a lavender hedge in your garden will give you rows of beautiful blooms that have a lovely scent. And not only do they look good but you’ll also be doing your garden a huge favor.
Lavender hedges make brilliant natural borders because they attract the exact type of insects and pollinators you want. Bees and butterflies will turn up and thank you by keeping all your plants healthy and happy.
So this guide will take you through everything you need to know to get started growing a lavender hedge. It will go through each step in an easy to follow way so you can plant and grow a wonderful lavender hedge, as well as tips for caring for it.
Selecting the Right Lavender Variety
Choosing the right variety of lavender is the first step to a wonderful hedge. Lavender comes in various types, and one rather than another may be be suited to to climate, soil etc.
Below are the most popular varieties and will help you to decide which is the best one for your garden.
Popular Lavender Varieties
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Characteristics: Compact, with narrow leaves and dense spikes of flowers. Also well known for having a strong scent.
- Best for: Cooler climates as it is strong and can withstand frost.
- Varieties: ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead’, ‘Royal Velvet’
- French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
- Characteristics: Serrated leaves have a slightly pine type of scent. The longer flower spikes have a more delicate fragrance.
- Best for: Mild climates. It’s not as tolerant of frost as English lavender.
- Varieties: ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’, ‘Royal Crown’
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
- Characteristics: Distinctive rabbit ear like bracts on top of the flower spikes. Strong scent and a unique look.
- Best for: Warm, dry climates. It needs good drainage.
- Varieties: ‘Anouk’, ‘Otto Quast’
| Type | Characteristics | Best For | Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Lavender | Compact, strong fragrance, dense spikes | Cooler climates | ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead’, ‘Royal Velvet’ |
| French Lavender | Serrated leaves, pine scent, delicate fragrance | Mild climates | ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’, ‘Royal Crown’ |
| Spanish Lavender | Rabbit ear bracts, strong scent, unique look | Warm, dry climates | ‘Anouk’, ‘Otto Quast’ |
Factors to Consider
When choosing your lavender variety consider the following:
- Climate and Hardiness
- Lavender thrives in full sun and well drained soil.
- English lavender is best for colder climates while French and Spanish varieties suit warmer regions better.
- Soil Type
- Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil with good drainage.
- Heavy clay soil can be improved with sand or gravel to make the drainage better.
- Purpose
- For hedges choose varieties that are compact and uniform in the way they grow.
- Think about the fragrance and flower color that suits your garden’s appearance or overall feel best.
Preparing the Planting Site
Preparing the site you’re planning on planting your lavender hedge is important. You should go through these basic steps to get everything ready beforehand:
Choosing the Perfect Location
Lavender loves sunlight and needs at least six hours of direct sun daily. So choose a location that receives enough light and isn’t being blocked out by trees or buildings.
Tip: South facing locations are ideal as they get the most exposure to the sun.
Soil Preparation and Testing
Testing the Soil
- Use a soil test kit to check the pH and nutrient levels of your soil.
- Aim for a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Improving Soil Drainage
- If your soil is heavy clay try mixing in some coarse sand or small gravel to improve the drainage.
- Raised beds can also be a good solution for areas that have poor drainage.
Fertilizing
- Lavender doesn’t need rich soil but you can add a little bit of compost to boost the health of the soil.
- Avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen as they promote leafy growth over flowers.
Importance of Good Drainage
Good drainage is absolutely key for lavender health. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. So make sure that your soil has excellent drainage to keep your plants healthy.
Tip: If you’re not sure about the drainage of your soil there is a way to check. Just dig a small hole and fill it with water. If the water drains within 30 minutes you can be confident your soil is suitable for lavender.
Planting Your Lavender Hedge
Now that your site is ready it’s time to plant the lavender. Here’s a step by step guide to get you started.
Spacing and Layout Tips
The right spacing means that your lavender plants will have enough room to grow properly.
Spacing
- Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart for a dense hedge.
- For larger varieties increase spacing to 24 to 30 inches.
Layout
- Mark out your hedge line with string or stakes so you are confident about getting a straight row.
- If you want a fuller looking hedge then you could stagger the planting.
Tip: For curved hedges use a garden hose to outline the shape before planting.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Digging the Holes
- Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Space holes so they fit with your chosen layout.
- Preparing the Plants
- Gently remove the lavender plants from their pots.
- Loosen the roots slightly so they are encouraged to spread.
- Planting
- Put each plant in its hole and backfill with soil.
- Make sure the crown of the plant is just above the soil level to avoid it rotting.
- Watering
- Water the plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle in.
- You want the soil to stay moist but not waterlogged for the first few weeks.
Tip: Mulch around the base of the plants to keep it moist and stop weeds from growing. Keep mulch away from the stems though as otherwise it could lead to the stem rotting.
Caring for Your Lavender Hedge
Proper care will keep your lavender hedge healthy. These are some of the most important care tips.
Watering Schedule and Techniques
Lavender is drought tolerant once it’s established but it needs regular watering in the early stages.
Watering Schedule
- New Plants: Water regularly during the first growing season.
- Established Plants: Water deeply but infrequently and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Techniques
- Water at the base of the plants to avoid getting the foliage wet.
- Morning watering is best as it lets the plants dry out before the evening.
Tip: Overwatering is the most common mistake. Check how most the soil is before watering.
Pruning and Shaping Tips
Pruning keeps your lavender hedge looking neat and also entourages more healthy growth.
When to Prune
- Prune annually after the flowering season. This will usually be in the late summer or early fall.
How to Prune
- Remove any dead flowers and cut back about one third of the plant’s height.
- Avoid cutting into the woody stems as they do not regrow well.
Tip: Light pruning in the early spring can also encourage bushier growth (if that’s what you want).
Fertilization and Soil Care
Lavender is not a heavy feeder but occasional feeding can help with its growth.
Fertilization
- Use a balanced, slow release fertilizer in spring.
- Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
Soil Care
- Maintain soil pH and drainage.
- Refresh mulch annually so it holds on to the moisture and improves the soil quality.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the best care you can still run in to problems. These are some of the most common issues that you might face and the best ways to address them.
Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Common Pests
- Aphids: Small, sap sucking insects. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
- Spittlebugs: Create frothy “spittle” on stems. Remove by hand or spray with water.
Diseases
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering. Improve the drainage and avoid waterlogged soil.
- Powdery Mildew: White, powdery fungus on leaves. Make sure you have good air circulation and treat with fungicide if necessary.
Troubleshooting Growth Issues
Poor Flowering
- Check for enough sunlight.
- Avoid over fertilizing.
Yellowing Leaves
- Could be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.
- Adjust how and when you’re watering and improve the drainage of the soil.
Leggy Growth
- Caused by not enough pruning.
- Prune annually to maintain compact growth.
Tip: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and diseases to catch any problems early.
Seasonal Care Tips
Different seasons bring different care requirements.
Spring
- Light pruning will encourage new growth.
- Apply a slow release fertilizer.
Summer
- Water deeply during dry spells.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Fall
- Major pruning after flowering.
- Prepare plants for winter with a light mulch.
Winter
- In colder regions protect plants with burlap or frost cloth.
- Reduce watering as plants go dormant.
Tips and Common Questions
These tips will help and common questions that may arise when planting a lavender hedge.
Tips
Mulching and Its Benefits
- Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Use organic mulch like wood chips or gravel.
Companion Planting with Lavender
- Lavender pairs well with other Mediterranean plants like rosemary and sage.
- Avoid planting near moisture loving plants amongst others.
Long term Maintenance Strategies
- Regular pruning and proper watering are a big part of maintaining your lavender.
- Refresh mulch and check soil pH annually.
Common Questions
How Fast Does Lavender Grow?
- Lavender grows relatively slowly. Expect noticeable growth within the first year with full maturity in 2 to 3 years.
Can Lavender Survive Winter?
- English lavender is able to withstand the frost while French and Spanish varieties need protection in colder climates.
- Use mulch and protective covers in the winter.
How Often Should Lavender Be Watered?
- Water new plants regularly then reduce how often you do so once they’re established.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Plant Lavender?
- Spring is ideal for planting lavender giving plants time to get established before winter.
How Do I Prevent Lavender from Becoming Woody?
- Annual pruning after flowering helps maintain a bushy, non woody growth.
Final Tips
By following this guide you’ll be well on your way to growing a beautiful and healthy lavender hedge. Remember to choose the right variety for your climate, prepare your planting site thoroughly and care for your hedge throughout the seasons. You don’t need to overboard with care and fuss to grow a lovely lavender hedge.
For more detailed information and resources consider joining local gardening clubs or online forums where you can share experiences and tips.
