When planting lavender for a hedge, the general rule of thumb is to space plants 1 to 2 feet apart. However, the exact spacing can vary depending on the type of lavender you are planting and the climate in which you are planting it.
For example, if you are planting French lavender in climates with mild winters (such as the Mediterranean), then you can safely space plants closer together, at 6-12 inches apart. On the other hand, if you are planting English lavender in a cold winter climate, it will need more space (up to 2 feet apart) to survive the winter temperatures.
Additionally, some lavender varieties can grow very large and will need to be spaced further apart (up to 3 feet) to ensure that sufficient air circulation is possible between the plants. It is best to do your research and determine the ideal spacing for the variety of lavender you are planting.
Can you turn lavender into a hedge?
Yes, you can definitely turn lavender into a hedge. The first step is to choose your preferred type of lavender. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most popular for hedges, as it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is also ideal and has pretty bracts on the flowers. Once you’ve chosen the type of lavender you want, it’s time to prepare your hedge area. If you’re going to be planting into existing beds, make sure to remove all existing weeds andwork in some well-rotted compost to help the plants establish quickly.
When planting lavender, it’s important to dig your holes deep enough that the plant and surrounding soil can be firmed in. Make sure the holes aren’t too close together. You don’t want the plants overcrowding each other, and giving them enough space will promote air movement and help to stop any fungal diseases.
Plant your lavender at the appropriate spacing and firm in the plants. After planting, it’s important to give your newly established hedge a deep watering to help the roots establish. In addition to this initial watering, it’s important to water your lavender regularly during periods of prolonged drought.
Once your hedge is established, it needs little care, just regular trimming to maintain its shape. Enjoy the delight of your fragrant, colorful lavender hedge!.
How do I make my lavender hedge?
To make a lavender hedge, the first step is to purchase the right type of lavender plants. The most common variety used for hedging is Lavandula angustifolia, which has fragrant blue flowers in the summer and thrives in sunny, well-drained spots.
Once you have the plants, prepare the soil so that it is well-drained and well-aerated. You’ll also need to add some compost or manure to the soil to give it some extra nutrients. Dig a trench around the area where you want the hedge to be, allowing the distance between the plants to be around 18-24 inches.
Place the plants in the trench and tamp the soil around them to ensure that the roots are well-anchored. Water the plants frequently to keep them healthy, and prune the hedge every summer to control its shape and size.
Be careful not to cut too much of the foliage off, as this can harm the plants. Finally, make sure to add a thick layer of mulch to the area to retain moisture and keep the soil cool and protected.
What happens if you plant lavender too close together?
If you plant lavender too close together, it can result in many undesirable outcomes. Because lavender is an aromatic shrub, when planted too closely together the aroma will be too strong and unpleasant.
Additionally, lavender plants need an adequate amount of airflow to prevent common problems such as mildew, fungus, mites and other pests. Pests can spread quickly if lavender is planted too close together, leading to a decrease in the overall health of your plants.
Furthermore, plants need adequate space to obtain the essential nutrients from the soil. If lavender is planted too close together, the root systems can become intertwined and compete with each other for food and water, resulting in stunted growth.
Therefore, when planting lavender it is best to give each plant a minimum of 12 inches of space around it to ensure it receives enough of the essential elements to grow and remain healthy.
What type of lavender is best for a hedge?
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best type of lavender for a hedge. English Lavender is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that is an ideal choice for a low-maintenance hedge that will provide year-round interest and fragrance.
Its fragrant gray/green foliage remains evergreen in mild climates or during periods of milder temperatures, while during cooler periods it will go partially or completely dormant until temperatures rise again.
Its narrow, upright, silvery gray flower spikes emerge in mid-summer, when they are certainly a sight to behold. Plus, these flowers attract lots of bees and other beneficial pollinators. English Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for sunny locations in almost any soil type.
For easy maintenance, prune in spring and early summer to shape and control lanky growth, and then prune lightly again after flowering.
How wide does lavender get?
The size of lavender plants can vary greatly depending on the type. Generally, the width of a mature lavender plant can range anywhere from 10-36 inches wide, though some varieties may be larger or smaller.
Dwarf varieties may be as small as six inches wide, and full sized lavender plants may grow up to four feet in width. Most lavender plants will reach their full width in the summer months. It is important to note that the width of your lavender plants may be affected by the soil, moisture levels, and exposure to sun.
For example, over-watering and shade can cause the width of plants to be smaller than normal. Additionally, containers and raised beds often lead to smaller, denser plant growth.
How close together can you plant lavender?
When planting lavender, it is recommended to space out at least 18-20 inches between plants. This will give the plants enough room to grow and help prevent overcrowding. Additionally, lavender grows best in well-drained soil, so when planting, be sure to choose a location that is sunny and also allows for adequate drainage.
As lavender can become woody and unproductive if left in the same spot too long, it is important to give the plants plenty of room. The wider the spacing between each plant, the better. Additionally, when pruning, make sure to thin out any overcrowded areas to help create optimal growth.
How can you tell if a plant is overcrowded?
One of the tell-tale signs of an overcrowded plant is if it appears to be growing in a stunted or bushier manner than normal. This could be caused by a lack of air circulation leading to excessive competition for resources, such as light and water, among the plants.
Additionally, overcrowded plants may be more prone to develop diseases and insect infestations due to the lack of air circulation and close proximity of plants. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your plants may be overcrowded: yellowing or wilting of leaves, poor shoot and root growth, slower growth rates, stunted flower production, and dieback of young shoots.
If you notice any of these symptoms, the best solution is to rearrange the plants, space them out further to ensure there’s adequate air circulation, or consider replanting in another location if possible.
How do you Row lavender?
Growing lavender is a low maintenance process and it is quite easy to do.
The first step is to choose an area of your garden or yard that receives full sun and good drainage, as lavender prefers a sunny, well-draining spot. Make sure the spot you choose is in an area that will not get overly wet.
Once you have the right spot, you need to prepare the soil. If you have sandy soil, add in some compost or aged manure to increase the soil’s organic content. Additionally, if your soil is extremely clay-like, mix in some sand to help drainage.
Once the soil is prepped, you can plant your lavender. It is best to plant in spring or the early part of summer. Plant your lavender at least 15-20cm apart to allow for adequate room to grow.
To care for your lavender once it is planted, make sure you give it sufficient water. When you first plant, thoroughly soak the soil and then water on average every 5-7 days. If rain is scarce, give it some light watering.
Furthermore, trim the lavender every three to four weeks, as this will help keep the plant healthy and reduce the risk of diseases. Additionally, in late winter or early spring, cut back your plants to about 10-15 cm tall.
Finally, enjoy your lavender! It will give your garden a beautiful scent and look!
What should not be planted next to lavender?
Lavender is an easy-care herb that is perfect for use in fragrant bouquets and dried arrangements. However, it’s important to keep in mind that certain plants can inhibit the growth of lavender, so they should not be planted next to it.
The notorious competition for water, light, and nutrients should be taken into consideration. Some plants that should not be planted next to lavender include herbs such as mint, dill, fennel, and sage, onion, chives and garlic, cabbage and broccoli, beets, carrots, and turnips, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, onions, shallots and leeks, corn, and squash.
These plants all require more water, light, and nutrients than lavender can provide and therefore can inhibit the growth of lavender. In addition, these plants also have particular nutrients and soil pH balances that are not suitable for the growth of lavender.
Therefore, for the best results, it’s best to keep lavender away from any of these plants that are known to compete for resources and nutrients.
Does lavender spread easily?
Yes, lavender is an easy plant to spread around. It is an extremely hardy flower, which can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is drought tolerant, making it well-suited for a variety of climates and soil conditions.
The flowers are also bee-friendly, and come in several varieties and colors, with some being more easily spread than others. For example, English Lavenders, which have a more upright growth, are easy to transplant into your garden and will spread rapidly, while Spanish Lavenders are slower growing and may take longer to establish themselves in a new area.
Additionally, with some basic pruning, you can encourage lavender to grow in a particular area, as the branches will form dense clumps that can be easily transplanted.
How long does it take lavender to grow to full size?
It takes lavender approximately 3-4 years to reach full size, though the exact time may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. For best results, it is a good idea to plant your lavender in a sunny spot that is well-drained and does not stay wet for long periods of time.
Although lavender can be grown in a variety of soil types, it does prefer slightly alkaline soils. It is best to fertilize the plants in the spring when they are beginning to show new growth and again in the summer after flowering.
With the proper care and nourishment the plants should be reaching their full size within the 3-4 year timeframe.
Where is the best place to plant lavender?
The best place to plant lavender is in an area that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Lavender also prefers well-drained soil, as too much water can cause root rot. An ideal location is an area that gets morning sun, followed by afternoon shade.
Lavender also prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6-7. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil can help improve the soil structure and texture. Additionally, lavender plants should be spaced at least 18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation.
Lavender should also be planted with other drought-tolerant shrubs and plants to promote natural insect pest control.
How much space do you need between lavender rows?
When planting lavender in rows, you should make sure to provide adequate space between the rows. Generally, you will need to leave a few feet between the rows, depending on the size of your garden. For smaller species of lavender, such as Spanish Lavender, typically you will need to leave 5-6 feet between the rows.
For larger varieties of lavender, such as French Lavender, you should leave at least 6-7 feet between the rows. You should also factor in the full mature height of the lavender when deciding the spacing between the rows.
That being said, it’s important to note that the exact spacing between the rows will depend on your individual garden and the amount of available space.
Will lavender come back every year?
Lavender plants are mostly perennial, meaning they will come back year after year. Depending on the type of lavender you grow, it may take a couple years for the plants to become fully established before they will bloom yearly.
It’s important to pick the right type of lavender that is suited for your climate and location. The two most popular species of lavender are French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
English lavender is best suited for cooler climates, while French lavender is ideal for warmer climates. It’s also important to mulch the soil around the plants and provide adequate drainage to ensure they survive the winter months.
If you take proper care of your lavender plants, they should come back every year and provide you with abundant blooms and fragrant foliage!.
How far do lavender roots spread?
The roots of plants in the Lavandula (lavender) genus tend to be short and fibrous, growing close to the surface of the soil. Depending upon the variety, lavender roots can spread from one to two feet in diameter, and many types of lavender plants can survive on minimal water, and often can retain moisture in dry conditions.
When planting lavender, it is recommended to dig a wide and shallow hole, so their roots will have enough room to spread. Additionally, lavender can spread by stems that are buried under the soil. As the stems spread and push down into the soil, entre roots can form and take hold in the deeper layers.
Lavender can survive in both poor and rich soil, though it is best to add a bit of sand or other material to lighten up the soil, especially if plantings are on a slope to help with drainage.
