I had a beautiful Provence Lavender that had grown to a 5x4 shrub. Lasted about five years, then just died off. Have tried Grosso, Munstead, Mini Blue, Sarah, and a couple others that I can't remember right now and each died off the first year regardless of if it was in ground or in a pot. I do have a Spanish Anouk that is five years old, but it is unhappy and has only bloomed two years out of the five. Plus, it does NOT like drought. My soil is nearly all heavy clay, which is why I kept most in pots, but the Provence was planted in the small area that has a sandy soil mix (previous owner leveled a slope). The Munstead was planted in that same area and died off in four months. Any ideas about how to be more successful with them?

Provence


Anouk

Munstealasted 5 years for me in clay soil but was in a spot that was midway down a gradually sloping area.
I'm trying Hidcote now hoping to get one that will survive our winters for the bees.
I think lavender needs moist but we'll drain ng soil but I'm no expert. Just hoping to get seeds from my plants to sow each year in hopes of getting plants that are adjusted to my garden conditions.

I use a lot of lavender medicinally as its a powerful herb.

http://purplehazelavender.com/...

http://statebystategardening.c...

This might help. I have issues with lavender my self.

Thank you, Julia, those two sites had great information. I think I will try a Provence again.

Debra, you might try contacting Lavender Ridge Farms which is north of Denton and see if they can give info. http://www.lavenderridgefarms.... Seems like they might know which lavenders do well in your area. A lot of perennials die out after a few seasons. When they look their best, it's usually time to rip them out and start fresh. Lavenders may be more like perennials than shrubs which tend to last longer.

I treat lavender as an annual that if I'm lucky lasts a couple years. Then get new ones. It's not my favorite and perhaps it feels my angst. Shrug.

Thank you, Donald, I will do that.

I have had bad luck w lavender too, it dies. gave them up.

You need to prune, prune, prune but before - prep that soil. Here is a great <a href="https://wineandcountrylife.com/growing-lavender-in-virginia-the-lavender-abbey-of-provence/">Guide to Growing Lavender in Virginia</a> on the Wine & Country Life website. This covers, pH, soil amendments, pruning, watering and more. Good Luck!

I have always been told humidity is the downfall on Lavender. Most of us live in more humid areas.

@briarpatchmumsie ~ Please tell us where you live and what type of Lavender you grow?

@lovemyhouse ~ Debra, have you found another Provence or given up on it?

I have an old southern gardening magazine that told of a successful lavender grown in south Louisiana. The bed was raised and well draining. The top of the bed was mulched with a white rock which kept the roots cooler. I shall have to dig for the article as I don't recall the type they had success with. I love Lavender but have no luck growing it. I am always astounded to see it offered for sale in springtime but just brush and smell the foliage and leave it on the rack.

I too struggle with lavender. I find that not too dry and not too wet is the best watering strategy. And since Garland is kinda dry, be sure to water in the winter when temps are above freezing. I also find that covering them with straw in the winter seems to help.

Good luck!

The winter wet kills them in my area , so I suggest to people to plant them in the space under the overhang where most things wont grow they avoid the winter and early spring rains . South or west sides work best , they like the heat and sun.

I planted lavender from seed this year and I'm still in shock about how slow it grows. My oldest plant is still so tiny even after 4 months.

I never tried to grow it from seed. This was mine, grown from a typical very small plant, and not covered by the irrigation system - receiving only rain.


Did you keep yours free of excess water?