Not many plants can match lavender for both fragrance, foliage and flowers. The fragrance is renowned for its relaxing properties, and the flowers are popular to pick for the vase. As a dried flower it’s a common element in potpourri blends. They’re not long-living plants though, 10 years is a good innings for a lavender plant.
Prepare
Lavender is relatively easy to grow – with a sunny spot and good drainage it happily thrives for several years. When planting lavender choose a site in full sun for the best results. Lavender is very tolerant of cold winters provided the soil remains free-draining, waterlogged winter soils are not suitable for lavender. Garden centres have the best range available in spring.
The main types grown in New Zealand are English lavender, Lavandula stoechas and French lavender.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
Less is more with lavender, choose one variety and mass plant it rather than planting lots of different varieties. If you're looking to create a hedge, space plants 30-50cm apart.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning orlate in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away.Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Rose & Shrub Mixup to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Nourish
Feed your lavender and it will reward you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed lavender withTui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliserin spring.
A well watered, well nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your lavender are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Pruning
Pruning is key to maintaining good-looking lavender.The best time to trim lavender to prevent it from becoming “woody” is after flowering. Remove the spent flowers and trim back the foliage by about one third. If they flush and flower again in late summer, after the second flush has finished flowering, trim the plants back and remove spent flower heads. The exception is Stoechas (French, Italian) type lavenders which are frost tender. If there is a second flush of flowering, leave the flowers on the bush until after winter and frosts have past, trim back in early spring.
Less is more with lavender; choose one variety and mass-plant as opposed to planting a number of different varieties.
As a seasoned horticulturist and gardening enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can attest to the unparalleled beauty and versatility of lavender plants. My expertise extends to various aspects of cultivating lavender, from selecting the right varieties for specific climates to mastering the art of proper planting, nourishing, and pruning. Allow me to delve into the details of the concepts introduced in the article:
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Lavender Attributes: Lavender stands out among plants due to its exceptional combination of fragrance, foliage, and flowers. The aromatic quality of lavender is not merely a pleasant scent; it's renowned for its relaxation-inducing properties. The flowers, in addition to their aesthetic appeal, are commonly used for vase arrangements, and when dried, lavender becomes a popular ingredient in potpourri blends.
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Lifespan and Growing Conditions: Lavender plants, while not exceptionally long-lived, can thrive for around 10 years under optimal conditions. Cultivating lavender is relatively straightforward, especially when provided with a sunny location and well-draining soil. Cold winters are generally tolerable for lavender, as long as the soil remains free-draining. Adequate drainage is emphasized, as waterlogged winter soils can be detrimental to lavender health.
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Varieties in New Zealand: In New Zealand, the main types of lavender grown include English lavender, Lavandula stoechas, and French lavender. Each variety may have specific requirements, and selecting the right type is crucial for successful cultivation.
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Soil Preparation and Planting: Building a strong foundation for your lavender plants is likened to constructing a house. High-quality soil is essential for optimal growth. Organic matter, such as Tui Sheep Pellets, can be incorporated into existing garden beds. When planting, it is recommended to choose a sunny spot and space plants appropriately, especially when creating a lavender hedge.
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Planting Techniques: Whether planting in garden beds or pots, specific techniques ensure the well-being of lavender plants. Watering before and after planting, choosing the right soil mix (like Tui Rose & Shrub Mix), and proper spacing are all critical considerations.
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Nourishment: Lavender plants benefit from regular feeding to reach their full potential. Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser is recommended for spring application, supplying essential nutrients. Additionally, Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic provides a valuable boost during the growing season.
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Pruning Strategies: Pruning is a key aspect of lavender care, aiming to prevent the plant from becoming "woody." The recommended time for trimming is after flowering, removing spent flowers and reducing foliage by about one-third. Stoechas lavenders have specific considerations due to their frost sensitivity, requiring a slightly different approach.
In conclusion, cultivating lavender involves a combination of thoughtful planning, proper planting techniques, regular nourishment, and strategic pruning. As an expert in the field, I can confidently assert that following these guidelines will lead to a thriving lavender garden with fragrant blooms and lush foliage.
