The Sacred Hearth

Most lavenders prefer a warm, sunny spot with well-drained soil. Lavender is a plant that doesn't like its "feet wet" so well-drained soil is of the utmost importance. It will tolerate some drought and heat quite well, however. Most lavenders will grow well throughout the Southwestern United states, but more Northerly regions may have trouble. Try the Hidcote or Munstead variety in the North. The humid deep South may have trouble with any variety of lavender.

The good news is that it grows reasonably well in pots and can be brought indoors in cold or wet weather. Lavender doesn't need a big pot. Just an inch or two wider than the root ball is sufficient. The important thing is that the pot drains well. Mix your potting soil with equal parts sand and put a layer of loose gravel in the bottom of the pot before adding your soil. This will encourage drainage. Water when the soil feels dry and try not to wet the leaves. Make sure your lavender plant gets plenty of sun.

Plant your lavender where it will get full sun but be sheltered from harsh winds and not be in a drain path. Space the plants well apart to allow air circulation. It should be fed some compost the first year to get it started; After that, ignore it except for providing some protection from cold and wet. A thick layer of mulch after the first frost will protect the roots in areas where repeated thawing and freezing may stress the plant.

For best fragrance and essential oil production, the soil should be nutrient poor and alkaline.

Lavender is a good companion for fruit trees, rue and any plant that might be troubled by white fly or that would benefit from bees and other pollinating insects lavender attracts.