Dormant Spanish Lavender - Knowledgebase Question

New York, NY
Avatar for KDerosier
Question by KDerosier
April 25, 1998
I grow a variety of lavender plants all of which are in their third year. Last fall I pruned all of my lavender plants back to about one inch above the ground and now all of my lavenders (Munstead and Provence varieties) are showing signs of abundant growth already.

My Spanish lavender plant, however, is showing no signs of life at all and this is all the more confusing to me because it was the bushiest and most flowering of all the plants. The plant has a strong, woody trunk but no sign of growth.

All my lavender plants are grown in a patch, protected from the wind, and get full sun all day. Even my lemon thyme is back...I am mystified.

Should I give up hope and just pull it out? Is Spanish lavender known to be a particularly delicate varieity? Or an especially late-bloomer?

I appreciate your help!


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Answer from NGA
April 25, 1998
I'm sorry to hear your Spanish lavender isn't out to enjoy our early spring weather! Spanish lavender is not quite as hardy as the other types you grow (and thyme is as hardy an herb as exists!), so perhaps it just didn't hold up as well to our see-sawing, El Nino winter weather. In the future, too, try cutting them back in spring instead of fall, leaving the tops in place to catch any snow that may fall to improve winter insulation. Hope this helps!

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