Lavender is a beautiful and versatile plant, appreciated for its heady fragrance and pretty purple flowers. Although often associated with outdoor gardens, lavender can also be successfully grown in pots. In this article, we'll give you some practical advice on growing and caring for potted lavender, so you can enjoy its charm in a small space.
Origin of lavender
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean basin, where it thrives in warm, sunny climates. This aromatic plant has been appreciated for centuries for its relaxing fragrance and medicinal properties. Today, lavender is grown all over the world and has become popular for its use in gardens, bouquets, personal care products and even cooking.
When considering growing lavender in pots, it's essential to choose varieties that are suitable for container cultivation. Some lavenders can grow too large and invasive, which can be difficult to manage in a small space. Here are some of the best lavender varieties for growing in pots:
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead': This variety is one of the most popular for pot cultivation, thanks to its compact size and bushy habit. It generally reaches a height of 30 to 45 cm, making it perfect for small pots or window boxes. Lavender 'Munstead' produces spikes of deliciously fragrant purple flowers.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote': This variety is appreciated for its deep purple flowers and silvery foliage. It also forms a compact bush 30-45 cm high.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Thumbelina Leigh': If you're looking for a dwarf lavender, this variety is an excellent choice. It grows no taller than 25 cm and produces beautiful purple flowers.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Mini Blue': This miniature lavender is a real gem for pot cultivation. With a maximum height of around 20 cm, it's ideal for mini-gardens or succulent arrangements. The violet-blue flowers of 'Mini Blue' lavender add a delicate touch of color to any space.
Tips for growing in pots
- Choose a suitable pot: opt for a terracotta or recycled pot with drainage holes to avoid water accumulation.
- Prepare a good substrate: Use a quality potting mix with good drainage, adding sand or pebbles to improve soil structure.
- Place lavender in a sunny spot: Lavender needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to blossom fully.
- Adequate spacing: Make sure you leave enough space between plants to promote good air circulation and prevent disease.
- Regular rotation: For uniform growth, turn the pot a quarter turn every 15 days to expose all parts of the plant to light.
How do I care for potted lavender?
As long as you follow a few simple rules, lavenders are easy to grow in pots and will thrive for a long time in your home.
☀ Light and temperature
Place your lavender pot in a sunny spot where it can receive direct sunlight. Make sure it benefits from good air circulation. As far as temperature is concerned, lavender prefers warm climates and does not tolerate severe frosts. If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider bringing your lavender indoors or protecting it with a winter veil.
❀ Flowering
Lavender generally flowers during the summer months. To encourage abundant flowering, you can pinch the ends of the stems as the flowers begin to fade. This will encourage the production of new flowers and keep the plant compact.
💧 Watering and fertilizing
Lavender prefers slightly dry soil, so avoid over-watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid problems with root rot. Regular watering is particularly important during the first year of growth to help the roots establish themselves.
When it comes to fertilizing, it's best not to overfeed potted lavender. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth.
☠️ Toxicity
Lavender is generally considered a non-toxic plant. However, some people may be allergic to its pollen.
🦟 Diseases, pests and parasites
In terms of disease, lavender is fairly resistant, but excess humidity can encourage the development of root rot.
As far as pests are concerned, aphids and spider mites can sometimes attack lavender. Use biological control methods such as spraying with water or applying neem oil to control them.
🗑 Pruning, repotting and propagation
Regular pruning of potted lavender is essential to maintain a compact shape and encourage the production of new shoots. Prune lavender after flowering by cutting back spent flower stems and slightly shortening the foliage.
Repotting can be done every two to three years to refresh the substrate.
Lavender can be propagated by cuttings in spring or summer.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the beauty and enchanting fragrance of lavender in your pots. Feel free to experiment with different varieties and create beautiful arrangements of potted lavender to add a touch of charm to your outdoor or indoor space.