Lavender. Yes, you can grow it.

by Ray Allen

Everbody loves lavender, and Lavender "Munstead", the best for the US,  is a best-seller every year with our perennials.  There's all kinds of detail on growing it on the site; click here for the details.

But all you need to know is that lavender is really a desert plant--do not put it into "good garden soil", or it will simply die.  Thousands of lavender plants are loved to death every year in the US, since so many gardeners plant them in rich loam, and fertilize and water them to death.  Lavender is one of a good sized group of perennials that absolutely insists on quick-draining gritty soil--what most of us call bad soil--rocky, arid, desert-like conditions.  I always recommend making a part of your garden your "desert"--bring in some sand, maybe some gravel, and make sure that area is in full, baking sun and has perfect drainage.

Then in that spot, plant your lavender, liatris, yarrows, and other plants that hate the soggy, muddy soil we try to create for poppies, peonies, and all the others.  The photos here are of a famous lavender garden in Oregon.  The magnificent red flowers through the gate in the midst of the lavender are red crocosmia "Lucifer", a spring bulb we sell and one that makes a dramatic show with lavender as you can see below.  Unfortunately, you can't smell this garden on your computer, but trust me, it smells as heavenly as you imagine.

Perennial GardenPerennial Garden
  1. Checkerboard Low-Grow Lavender Collection

    Our Checkerboard Low-Grow Lavender Collection features contrasting white and purple blooms for creativity in your container or garden design. Sun-loving Lavender is ideal for dry soi...

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    Checkerboard Low-Grow Lavender Collection Checkerboard Low-Grow Lavender Collection Lavandula
    As low as $47.99 Sale $47.99
    Per Collection of 4
    Our Checkerboard Low-Grow Lavender Collection features contrasting white and purple blooms for creativity in your container or garden design. Sun-loving Lavender is ideal for dry soils, with elegant, fragrant flowers and foliage that will draw pollinators. Our Low-Grow Collections are perfect for transforming your yard from lawn to flowers, a few square feet at a time! Plant below taller perennials, as edging for a garden border, or as a no-mow lawn alternative. Collection of 4 or 12 plants.
  2. Phenomenal Lavender, Lavandula x intermedia

    Phenomenal Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragran...

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    Phenomenal® Lavender Lavender Phenomenal® PP#24193 Lavandula x intermedia Phenomenal PP#24193
    As low as $10.65
    Per Plant - 3" Pot
    Phenomenal Lavender has it all: exceptionally tolerant of both high heat and harsh winter, this easy-to-grow lavender even shows resistance to the effects of humidity. Highly fragrant with concentrated essential oils, Phenomenal's spikes of purple-blue flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden. Edible, deer-resistant and fast-growing, this silver-leafed lavender has left all other new introductions in the dust! (Lavandula x intermedia) PP#24193
  3. Long Blooming Lavender Collection

    Our Long Blooming Lavender Collection includes five of our bestselling Lavender varieties for a graceful blend of flowers and fragrance. A mix of French hybrid and English cultivars ...

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    Long Blooming Lavender Collection Long Blooming Lavender Collection Lavandula
    As low as $46.65 Sale $43.99
    Per Collection of 5
    Our Long Blooming Lavender Collection includes five of our bestselling Lavender varieties for a graceful blend of flowers and fragrance. A mix of French hybrid and English cultivars will give your planting nuanced texture and color. Lavender plants prefer full sun, and they make a great choice for container plantings and dry, well-draining soil. Plant in a pollinator garden, herb garden, or along a path, patio, or walkway to enjoy soothing fragrance and elegant blooms all summer. (Lavandula) Collection of 5 or 15 plants.
  4. Photo Credit Amy Myers, Lavender Goodwin Creek Grey, Lavandula ginginsii, Queen Butterfly

    ‚Goodwin Creek Grey’ Lavender‚s silver foliage contrasts beautifully with its deep purple blooms. This French Lavender flowers from early summer through fall (and w...

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    Goodwin Creek Grey French Lavender Goodwin Creek Grey French Lavender Lavandula ginginsii Goodwin Creek Grey
    $9.32 Sale $7.92
    Per Plant - 3" Pot
    'Goodwin Creek Grey’ Lavender's silver foliage contrasts beautifully with its deep purple blooms. This French Lavender flowers from early summer through fall (and winter in mild zones). It's a great choice for containers, rock gardens or a perennial bed. Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil for this pollinator favorite. (Lavandula ginginsii)
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