#Lavender is a great choice for container growing. Growing lavender in pots may be especially helpful for gardeners with unsuitable soil conditions or limited access to green space. Containerized lavender also allows for moving the plant when weather conditions become too harsh, and it can be winterized indoors, such as in a basement.
Lavender pots need to be large enough for the soil to insulate the plants’ roots and still drain easily. Lavender in planters also makes an attractive addition to the landscape, adding both colour and scent near porches or patios. Despite their adaptability, to grow potted lavender plants it’s important to consider several specific points related to their care.
Soil and Pot Requirements
It’s important to choose the right potting mix. Lavender doesn’t like to be damp, but it does need water. This means good drainage is essential to lavender container care. If the pot you choose doesn’t have plenty of drainage holes in the bottom, drill a few more. Lavender cannot stand wet feet. Choose a sandy, alkaline, well-draining potting mix with slow-release fertilizer pellets.
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Water Requirements
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe where it’s warm and somewhat dry. Established lavender plants prefer soil that is allowed to dry between each watering. Be sure to avoid wetting the leaves or foliage when watering containerized lavender. Most importantly, never let the plant sit in water, and don’t overwater.
Light Requirements
Potted plants should be situated where they can receive 6 to 8 hours of direct light each day. Indoors, a south-facing window works best. In any case, the more bright warm light the plant receives, the more it will flower.Â
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Thriller, Filler and Spiller
A great way to create a stunning planter is to remember the three rules, thriller, filler and spiller. This brings beautiful variation and interest. When planting with lavender remember to choose all three plants that like the same growing conditions (eg: sun, heat, good drainage). I recommend the thriller to be a spiky and vertical plant, such as an ornamental grass. Then use a smaller English lavender variety for the filler and a beautiful creeping sedum to spill over the hard edges. You could also use a taller lavender variety such as Phenomenal as the centre thriller, as in the picture below.
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