How to grow Lavender in Ireland
How to grow Lavender in Ireland. Lavender is one of the most beautiful plants we can grow in our gardens. It is a plant that many people in Ireland struggle to grow successfully. The damp climate and somewhat cold winters in Ireland are not what Lavender likes having originated from the Mediterranean. But when we choose a good location, most suitable varieties and understand the plants needs it can be a beautiful and a good performing plant in our gardens.
So, let’s look at the top tips for growing Lavender successfully in Ireland.
- The first key point is Lavender is originally a Mediterranean plant. This do not like to sit in wet ground or have wet roots. So, in your garden plant in dry areas with free draining soil. They are also best to be mounded up above ground level this will mean that no water will sit at the root zone.
- Choose hardy English varieties that are best suited to Ireland. The best varieties are Lavender Munstead grows to 30cm and Lavender Hidcote grows to 30-45cm. These varieties are heavily scented and hardy in Ireland’s climate.
- Choose plants that are mature because it will take young plants 3-4 years to mature. Mature plants are more robust at planting time.
- After flowering in late September/October prune back by roughly 1/3 but not into the woody material. This will give you a flush of new vibrant growth the following spring.
How to grow Lavender in pots.
- The same rules apply do not let the roots sit in water. So the best mix for potting Lavender is top soil and grit. This mix is sharp draining and perfect for growing Lavender in pots.
- Do not use peat compost to grow Lavender gets too damp and also is generally too low in PH for Lavenders.
- Make sure the pot is big enough a good guide is at least 3 times the width of the top of the plant at potting time. It is important to ensure the pot has draining holes and that they are free draining. It is a good idea to use pot feet.
How to prune and look after Lavender.
- After flowering in late September/October prune back by roughly 1/3. Do not prune into the woody material. This will give you a flush of new vibrant growth the following spring.
- Lavender does not need much feeding so long as the soil is good and dry. You can give lavender a light feed in spring to encourage more flower.
How do I grow Lavender in Ireland?
So taking all this into account it is easy to grow Lavender in Ireland once you are strict about the variety you use. Only plant in dry locations. Use the correct potting mix for growing Lavender in containers. Once you follow those rules you will be able to grow perfect Lavender and enjoy the beautiful flowers and smell that Lavender can bring.
In you would like to hear more about growing Lavender listen to my podcast episode with Moira Hart Wexford Lavender farm which is Ireland’s only commercial Lavender farm.
