Lavender is renowned for its highly scented oil, which is used worldwide in cosmetics, cut flowers, aromatherapy, medicinal remedies, cleaning products and more. Lavender oil is also known for its calming effects and insect-repelling properties.
In the garden, lavender is a drought-hardy, perennial low shrub that attracts bees, butterflies and a myriad of other pollinators.
Growing Tips
Soil: Lavender originated in the Mediterranean region, so it prefers sweet (alkaline 7 – 7.5) soil and good drainage. If your soil is dense and has poor draining, plant your lavender in raised beds or large pots. Adding some gypsum and organic matter to your soil can improve drainage issues. If you have acidic soil, an application of dolomite can help raise the pH of the soil to make it more alkaline.
Light: Full sun is ideal. Ensure good airflow around the plant helps to prevent sweating and dieback in the inner branches.
Water: Once established lavender will tolerate dry conditions and requires only low to average watering.
Fertilise: Feed in spring and summer with Rocky Point’s ActivGrow Fertiliser Pellets.
Mulch: Apply Rocky Point’s Sugarcane mulch when needed to help retain moisture and stop weeds growing around the plant.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly and give the plant a light trim towards the end of the flowering period. In early spring, prune back by a third to promote new growth. Lavender can become straggly and woody over time, so replacing them every 5-6 years is recommended. You can propagate new plants from softwood cuttings in spring or autumn.
Varieties:
- Lavandula dentata: French: best for subtropical climate zones
- Lavandula stoechas: Italian and Spanish: ideal for a variety of climates.
- Lavandula angustifolia: English: best in cooler drier climate zones hot dry summers, cool wet winters.
- Lavandula pinnata “Sidonie” Australian Lavender: Best in temperate and subtropics zones.
