Blue/purple flowers on tall spikes bloom right from the first year, creating a striking complement to the silvery gray foliage. Pollinators love this plant! You will too, as the aroma is wonderfully calming. Ideal for drying and crafts, as well as fresh-cut bouquets. Use edible flowers, which have a sweet floral flavour, for baked goods and lavender lemonade, or serve with berries and citrus. Deer-resistant.
Light requirements Full sun.
Planting Space 12 to 20 inches apart, depending on variety. (See listing above or check stick tag that comes with the plant for specific spacing recommendations.)
Soil requirements Lavender demands well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7 to 7.3. To improve soil drainage, add builder’s sand or small limestone gravel, or tuck plants into raised beds or atop a stone wall.
Water requirements Lavender prefers drier soil. Heavy, wet soil, especially in winter, can kill plants.
Frost-fighting plan Lavender is perennial in some zones.
Common issues Lavender thrives in heat, but humidity can lead to fungus issues in some varieties. Plant where air circulation is good, and thin plants as you harvest blooms or stems. Add rock mulch to enhance moisture evaporation beneath plants. Lavender is generally pest-free.
Harvesting Pick lavender leaves and stems at any point in the growing season. Best colour occurs before buds open; fragrance strengthens as flowers mature. Avoid creating bare spots when clipping.
Storage Dried lavender retains its fragrance for months. Fresh stems last in water five to seven days. For longer storage, dry or freeze leaves.
