Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is at home in the Mediterranean region - it is often dry there, especially in summer, so that the aromatically scented shrub gets by with little water. How to properly water lavender in beds and pots.
In a nutshell
- only needs a little water
- Water only when soil and root ball are dry
- water outdoors only in exceptional cases
- in the pot regularly, but moderately
- pay attention to good drainage and avoid waterlogging
Table of contents
- Less is more
- Lavender in the bed
- Lavender in the pot
- More questions about lavender
Less is more
Growing around the Mediterranean lavender often wild on rocky and dry mountain slopes where the plant is at the mercy of the southern sun. Therefore, the aromatic, fragrant shrub is perfectly adapted to a sunny, hot, barren and dry environment - and expects the same when cultivated in more northern regions. Whether outdoors or in pots, lavender requires little water and should always be planted in well-drained soil. waterlogging, which above all in the winter can become a problem, causing rapid death of the plants.
A notice:lavender forms long taproots, which also penetrate deeper soil layers and supply the plant with water even in dry periods.
Lavender in the bed
Outdoor cultivated lavender basically does not need to be watered at all, with one exception: In long and hot periods of heat, the root ball can dry out and should then be supplied with water become. Outside, the lavender bush can do without any water for about a week. If it stays dry longer, check the moisture in the rootstock:
- stick a finger in the ground
- Feel moisture several centimeters deep
- if dry, then check the appearance of the plant
- does she let the leaves droop?
- Yes = then pour
- No = do not water yet
If you actually have to water, then do it right away: For larger shrubs, you can confidently use half a liter of water, but you can only apply this to the ground. Never water lavender from above, the leaves and flowers should always remain dry.
A notice:Cultivate lavender together with roses? Then you should plant the different species strictly separately, for example a row of lavender and behind them the roses with a little distance. Roses need significantly more water and fertilizer than lavender, which is why a mixed culture is difficult.
Lavender in the pot
The soil of potted lavender is actually allowed to dry out for a short time, but really only for a few days. Lavender in planters relies on a regular supply of water, although most specimens will die from over-watering.
Note the following when growing in pots:
- good pot drainage: a large drainage hole for excess water is a must
- Place the pot on a saucer or in a saucer
- as the bottom layer potsherds or similar ä. fill in, a few centimeters thick
- Water only when the soil is dry, even deep down (3 to 4 centimetres).
- perform a finger test
- water vigorously and penetratingly
- Remove excess water from saucers or planters
As a rule, potted lavender only needs a little water every few days. After watering, the soil should only feel moist, but not wet.
Tip: Lavender should be planted in deep pots because it develops deep roots. flat vessels are unsuitable for the taproot.
More questions about lavender
Many garden and pot plants should be watered with rainwater that is low in lime, as they do not tolerate lime. Not so the lavender: The shrub feels particularly well on calcareous soil, which is why it does not mind calcareous irrigation water either - On the contrary, because on lime-poor soils, tap water can even contribute to supplying the plant with lime and thus deficiency symptoms prevent. However, cold tap water should not be used: If possible, water the lavender with lukewarm water.
Is the lavender drying out underneath and drooping its leaves? These typical signs indicate that the shrub is drying up, although lack of water is not the cause, but rather the opposite: too much water causes the lavender roots to rot so that they no longer absorb water and nutrients can. Therefore, do not automatically water lavender when there are signs of drought, but first check the actual soil moisture and the condition of the roots.
Like all Mediterranean plants it comes Lavender with little fertilizer Basically, it is sufficient to supply the plant twice a year with some organic fertilizer - this should be as low in nitrogen as possible and have a higher proportion of potassium. Mature compost or a special fertilizer for Mediterranean plants is very suitable. Also add some crushed egg shells. On the Fertilize with coffee grounds should be avoided, however, as it acidifies the soil.
