Lavender (Lavandula) is a genus of 39 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, Arabia, India, and China.
The name lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, which means “to wash”. The plants are known for their fragrance and have been used for centuries in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.
How much space does a lavender plant need?
Lavender should be planted about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. That will give the plants room to spread and fill in the bed. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
This will help the roots to establish themselves and promote new growth. Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting to give the plants a boost. Water the plants well after planting and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
Why Lavender hedges require up to 3 feet of space?
Lavender is a versatile plant that can be used in many different ways in the landscape. It can be planted as a hedge, used as an accent plant, or grown in containers.
When choosing a lavender plant for your garden, select a variety that is appropriate for the space you have available. Typically, lavender hedges require up to 3 feet of space because they need room to spread and thrive.
Here are reasons why it’s essential to space your lavenders:
Competition for water and nutrients is one of the main reasons it’s important to space out plants in a garden. However, when two plants are too close together, they compete for the same resources. That can lead to both plants being unhealthy and stunted.
Spacing plants further apart also gives each plant room to grow and establish a robust root system. This is especially important for Lavender, as a robust root system is necessary for the plant to be drought-tolerant.
Lavender hedges require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Planting the Lavender in an area that meets these requirements will also help to ensure that the plant is healthy and doesn’t experience unhealthy competition and stress.
When planting a hedge, it’s crucial to choose a site that has well-drained soil. The Lavender will need room to spread its roots, and compacted soil can lead to problems with drainage. If the Lavender is planted in an area that doesn’t drain well, the roots may rot, and the plant may die.
When choosing a site for planting, you may also want to consider the mature size of the Lavender. Some varieties can grow quite large, so it’s essential to give them enough space to spread out. If you’re planting a hedge, you’ll need to space the plants far enough apart to have room to grow into their full size.
When to Plant Lavender
Lavender is a popular choice for gardens because it is easy to grow and maintain. It is also drought tolerant and can thrive in poor, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3. It prefers full sun but will grow in partial shade. The plants are heat and cold tolerant and can be planted in USDA hardiness zones 1-6.
Lavender blooms from late spring to early summer, and the flowers can be blue, purple, pink, or white. The plants range in height from 12 inches to 3 feet and can spread up to 3 feet.
Lavender can also be purchased as a young plant in a nursery or as seeds. If you are starting with seeds, it is best to sow them in the fall, so they have a chance to germinate over the winter. You can also sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. To grow Lavender from seed:
- Start by planting the seeds in a sterile propagating mix.
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the mix and press them down gently.
- Do not cover the seeds as they need light to germinate.
- Water the mix well and place it in a warm, sunny spot. The seeds should germinate in 14-21 days in warm soil.
- Once the seedlings have emerged, transplant them into pots or the garden.
- If you want to propagate the plant, it can be done by taking stem cuttings in the summer.
Related Article: Can Lavender Grow in Florida?