How to grow Lavender
Updated October 2026
Lavender is a fragrant, silver-leaved Mediterranean shrub loved by bees and gardeners alike. It thrives on sun, sharp drainage and neglect, and dies quickly in wet, heavy or humid ground. In the dry West it is easy; in the humid Southeast it needs gritty soil, raised beds or pots, and in Florida it often struggles.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Lavender
Where to plant
Lavender needs full sun and fast-draining soil, and prefers poor to moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline ground. It will not last long in shade, damp or waterlogged soil, and dies out in heavy clay. Raised beds, slopes and gravelly soil help in wetter areas.
Humid summers are hard on it. NC State Extension calls lavender well loved but at times difficult to grow in North Carolina, and in Florida summer humidity and rain often kill it.
- California, the Desert Southwest, the Mountain West and the Pacific Northwest: the easiest regions; plant in spring or fall.
- The Northeast, Midwest and Northern Plains: grow hardy English lavender in a sunny, well-drained spot and avoid cold, wet sites over winter.
- The Mid-Atlantic, Mid-South, Southern Plains, Texas and the Gulf South: plant in raised beds or gritty soil with good air movement; plants may be short-lived in humid summers.
- Florida: summer humidity and rain make lavender difficult. Grow it in a pot of gritty mix and keep it on the dry side.
Choosing a variety
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | The hardiest, about zones 5 to 9; compact, sweetly scented. Examples: 'Hidcote', 'Munstead' |
| Lavandin (L. x intermedia) | Larger, very fragrant hybrids; 'Phenomenal' is noted for an early, bushy, compact habit |
| French and Spanish lavenders (L. stoechas, L. dentata and others) | Showy but less hardy and often short-lived; best in pots kept frost free in cold areas |
How to plant
- Plant young plants in spring in full sun, in soil that drains fast. On heavy soil, plant on a raised mound or in a raised bed with grit mixed in.
- Space plants about 2 feet apart for good air flow.
- Water in, then water only until established; lavender prefers to be on the dry side.
Watering and feeding
Water young plants during dry spells until established, then sparingly. Overwatering causes root rot, the most common way lavender dies.
Do not feed. Lavender prefers poor to moderately fertile soil, and rich soil gives soft, leggy growth.
Pruning and care through the year
- Trim plants each year just after flowering, removing the spent flower stalks and about an inch of leafy growth to keep them compact.
- Do not cut back into old, bare woody stems, as lavender rarely regrows from them. Replace very old, straggly plants.
Harvesting
Cut flower stems for fresh use or drying once the spikes are in flower. The leaves, flowers and dry seed heads are all aromatic, and dried flowers are used in potpourri.
Growing in pots
Lavender grows well in containers of gritty, free-draining mix, which is the best way to grow it in humid or rainy climates. Use a pot with large drainage holes, water only when the mix is dry, and move tender types under cover in winter.
Propagation and saving seed
Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer; they root easily. Lavender can also be grown from seed or divided.
Companion planting
Lavender suits a sunny, dry bed with other Mediterranean herbs, and its flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Lavender has few pests. Wet soil and humidity cause most problems.
Lavender is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
Common questions
Why does my lavender keep dying?
Wet roots are the usual reason. Lavender needs full sun and very well-drained soil, and dies in heavy clay, waterlogged ground or overly rich, well-watered beds. In humid regions, grow it in raised beds or pots of gritty mix.
Can I grow lavender in Florida?
It is difficult because of summer humidity and rain. Grow it in a pot of gritty mix, keep it on the dry side, and expect it to be short-lived.
When should I prune lavender?
Just after flowering, trimming off the spent flower stalks and about an inch of leafy growth. Do not cut into old, bare wood, which rarely regrows.
Which lavender is the hardiest?
English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, hardy to about zone 5. French and Spanish lavenders are tender and best grown in pots in cold areas.
Should I fertilize lavender?
No. Lavender prefers poor to moderately fertile soil, and feeding makes it soft and leggy.
Sources we checked: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Lavandula angustifolia; RHS: How to grow lavender.
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