HALF PRICE SALE ON POTTED HEDGING, PLEACHED TREES,
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HALF PRICE SALE ON POTTED HEDGING, PLEACHED TREES,
NEW SEASON BARE ROOTS AND ROOT BALLS – ENDS MIDNIGHT SUNDAY.
***TODAY ONLY – 10% OFF SALE PRICES WITH CODE FLASH10***
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Lavender hedges are an extremely popular border shrub with bright, aromatic foliage that makes a fantastic addition to any garden. From lavish formal gardens to countryside gardens, their lavender is a diverse plant suitable in a variety of different landscapes.
In addition to its beautiful fragrance and vibrant colour, lavender is also known for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for eco-friendly gardens.
However, if planted incorrectly or at the wrong time, the survival of the plant may be at risk. It is important to note that lavender is relatively low maintenance once established, but it does require attention during planting to ensure its success. Therefore, it’s important you find the best time to plant lavender in your garden.
The best time to plant lavender in the UK is during the early spring during the months of April and May.
Planting during this time allows lavender to establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives, ensuring a healthy plant that can withstand the growing season. This gives the plant time to establish so it can grow successfully during summer. The soil also naturally warms up during this time.
As a Mediterranean plant, lavender requires lots of sun and fertile soil in order to prosper, so ensure you pick the perfect planting site that receives plenty of sunlight in early spring. Damp conditions will damage the plant, so it’s advisable you consider this when selecting your planting site.
If you’re unsure whether your site has adequate drainage, test it by digging a small hole and filling it with water. If the water drains quickly, your site is well-drained. If it pools, consider amending the soil or selecting a different location.
If your soil is too heavy, improve your garden’s drainage by adding grit before planting the lavender and adding bonemeal to the planting site also helps. Planting on a slight mound also prevents waterlogging. Additionally, lavender benefits from being pruned after flowering to promote a second bloom and to maintain its compact shape.
To further enhance lavender’s growth, consider using a mulch layer around the base to retain moisture during dry periods and keep the roots cool in summer. However, ensure that the mulch does not smother the plant or trap excess moisture.
Lavender thrives in a sunny spot, so when selecting a planting location, ensure it receives full sunlight for most of the day. This will allow the plant to develop the strong, healthy roots it needs to grow effectively.
A sheltered position can also protect lavender from strong winds, which can sometimes damage its delicate stems. Ensure the soil is not too compacted, and look for a location that avoids waterlogging or heavy moisture, which can stunt lavender’s growth.
Lavender thrives in moderately fertile soil that’s dry, including clay and alkaline soil. If your soil is overly rich in nutrients, it can cause lavender to become leggy and weak. Lavender prefers soil that is not too fertile but well-draining. Some species are hardier than others, so be sure that you identify the type of lavender you have.
For example, French lavender hedges are hardier and better able to withstand drought than other species. English lavender is particularly hardy and grows well in cooler climates, while Spanish lavender tends to prefer slightly warmer conditions.
Lavender benefits from pruning after the flowering period to promote healthy growth and a compact shape. Cutting back the plant helps to maintain its form and encourage a second round of blooms. Aim to prune the lavender lightly in late summer, cutting back dead flower stems and shaping the plant.
After the final bloom of the year, you can cut lavender back by about one-third to keep the plant looking neat and to prevent it from becoming too woody. Avoid cutting into old wood, as this can damage the plant.
Lavender can also grow well in potted environments, which is great if you have a smaller garden with less soil available. Potted lavender can be moved to different spots for optimal sunlight and temperature conditions, making it a versatile choice for containers.
Planting lavender hedging during early spring (April to May) is a great way to establish growth in your garden and attract wildlife all year round. Pollinators will also bring great benefits, including greater-quality plants. Lavender is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting your garden’s ecosystem.
Additionally, lavender’s ability to repel pests such as mosquitoes and moths makes it a fantastic choice for enhancing the overall health of your garden.
Hopes Grove Nurseries grow and lovingly cultivate lavender hedge plants delivered to anywhere in the UK. As industry-leading hedging specialists, we are extremely knowledgeable in all things plants and hedges. If you have any questions about when to plant lavender bushes, or would like to know more about our hedging plants, don’t hesitate to call us or get in touch using our contact information.
