Growing lavender in containers

All potted lavenders require a well-drained potting mixture as well as good drainage at the base of the container. They need annual repotting with a suitable potting mix containing sufficient controlled-release fertilizer to keep them healthy. Adequate watering of the plants will need to be maintained through the long summer months to ensure they do not dry out since dehydrated lavender is difficult to revive. Winter watering needs to be kept to a minimum and over watering at any time must be avoided.

Some of the smaller growing lavenders such as:

are suitable for pot culture as they keep a reasonably compact, small form naturally.

Other slightly larger lavenders such as Munstead and Hidcote can be container grown but really need to be transplanted to the garden after two years unless placed in a very large container.

Some intermedia cultivars such as Grosso and Hidcote Giant can be grown in very large containers for the first 2 years but the containers will need to be given sufficient space on the patio or in the garden for the spikes and peduncles to spread out.

Many forms of stoechas and dentate candicans are grown as topiary plants in containers but do need routine care to guarantee their longevity in such conditions. Being gross feeders they tend to turn yellow and show other symptoms of nutritional stress, so will require adequate feeding to maintain green foliage.