Profile
LavandulaLavandula
Lavender is an aromatic subshrub valued for its fragrant flowers and easy-care nature. It is ideal for sunny locations and dry soils, where it adds accents with its blue-violet blooms and attracts bees. Lavender is not only an ornamental plant but is also used in the kitchen, for fragrance extraction, and in folk medicine.

Quick profile
Key data
Planting
Apr, May, Sep
Harvest
Jun, Jul, Aug
Water
low
Good neighbors
RoseRosemaryThymeOregano
Avoid
MintHosta
Growing data
Lavandula Growing data
Seed depth
0.3 - 0.5 cm
Plant spacing
30 - 45 cm
Row spacing
40 - 60 cm
Germination temp
15 - 21 °C
Sowing and germination
Planting and spacing
Temperature and site
Water, nutrients and care
Container, support and growth
Year plan
Lavandula Calendar
Indoor sowing
Seed is possible, but cultivars are often propagated by cuttings.
Direct sowing
Direct sow only into warm, fine soil.
Planting
Plant in spring or early autumn into drained soil.
Harvest
Cut flowers just before or at early full bloom.
Growing
Lavandula Site, soil and care
Spacing
30 - 45 cm
Storage
Dried flowers, Dried leaves, Essential oil
- Lavender is an easy-care plant that benefits from some basic maintenance. The most important aspect is avoiding waterlogging. Annual pruning promotes flowering and keeps the plant compact. Lavender is well-suited for beginners, as long as the location is sunny and the soil is well-drained.
Pruning
Lavandula Pruning
renewal_pruning
Goal
renewal_pruning
Pruning timing
spring
Main pruning for shaping and rejuvenation Before new growth starts, to invigorate the plant and promote summer flowering.
summer
Removal of spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming Immediately after the first flush of flowers to stimulate a second bloom.
Remove
- Dead, diseased, or damaged shoots
- Spent flower stalks (to promote reblooming and prevent seed formation)
- Overly long or inward-growing shoots that detract from the shape
Preserve
- Young, vigorous shoots
- Buds and young growth below the cut
- The basic shape of the shrub
Avoid
- Cutting into old, dead wood
- Cutting too severely, which weakens the plant
- Pruning when frost is imminent
Tools and hygiene
Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease and ensure clean cuts.
Companion guide
Lavandula Companion guide
Good neighbors
RoseRosemaryThymeOreganoConeflowerSedum
Avoid
MintHosta
Health
Pests, Diseases
Pests
Aphids
Aphids can occasionally appear, especially on young shoots, but are rarely a serious problem for lavender.
Spittlebugs
Spittlebug larvae create foamy nests on stems. They are mostly harmless but unsightly.
Whiteflies
In sheltered, warm locations or greenhouses, whiteflies can appear and weaken plants.
Diseases
Root Rot
The most common disease in lavender, caused by waterlogging and poorly drained soil. Leads to plant death.
Grey Mold (Botrytis cinerea)
A fungal disease that occurs in high humidity and poor air circulation, especially on flowers and leaves.
Septoria Leaf Spot
A fungal disease causing small brown spots on leaves, usually in wet weather. Rarely severe.
Deficiencies
Nitrogen Excess
Lavender prefers lean soils. Excess nitrogen leads to lush, soft growth at the expense of flowering and fragrance.
Iron Chlorosis
Can occur in extremely alkaline or compacted soils, although lavender prefers calcareous soil. Rarely a problem.
Plant health
FAQ
When is the best time to plant lavender?
The best time to plant lavender is in spring, once the risk of frost has passed, or in early autumn. This allows the plants to establish well before winter.
How often does lavender need to be watered?
Lavender is very drought-tolerant and requires little water once established. Water only during prolonged dry spells and absolutely avoid waterlogging. Young plants need water more regularly initially.
When and how should I prune lavender?
Prune lavender lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage reblooming. In early spring (March/April), a harder prune is done to reduce woodiness and keep the plant compact. Never cut into old, dead wood.
Can lavender grow in a pot on the balcony?
Yes, lavender is well-suited for container growing on the balcony, provided the pot has good drainage holes and the soil is well-draining. Ensure sufficient sun and avoid overwatering.
Why is my lavender not flowering?
Lack of flowering can be due to insufficient sun, overly rich soil (especially too much nitrogen), incorrect pruning, or overly moist conditions. Check these factors and adjust care accordingly.
Related plants
Mint
Both belong to the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) family.
Sage
Both belong to the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) family.
Rosemary
Both are Mediterranean herbs with similar site requirements.
Both prefer lean soils and do not require heavy fertilization.
Thyme
Both are Mediterranean herbs with similar site requirements.
Both prefer lean soils and do not require heavy fertilization.
Internal links
Related plants
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-13
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-13
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Lavendel (Gattung)
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13
- English Wikipedia: Lavandula
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13
Details
More public plant data
Names
Common
Lavandula
Plural
Lavandula
Synonyms
- lavendels
- lavender
Common synonyms
- lavendels
- lavender
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
- Lavandula
Taxonomy
Clades
- angiosperms
- eudicots
- asterids
- lamiids
Family
Lamiaceae
Classification
Edible parts
- flowers
- leaves
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Months
- 3
- 4
Notes
Seed is possible, but cultivars are often propagated by cuttings.
Sowing outdoor
Months
- 5
Notes
Direct sow only into warm, fine soil.
Planting out
Months
- 4
- 5
- 9
Notes
Plant in spring or early autumn into drained soil.
Harvest
Months
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Cut flowers just before or at early full bloom.
Month tasks
Book content
Overview
Lavender is an aromatic subshrub valued for its fragrant flowers and easy-care nature. It is ideal for sunny locations and dry soils, where it adds accents with its blue-violet blooms and attracts bees. Lavender is not only an ornamental plant but is also used in the kitchen, for fragrance extraction, and in folk medicine.
Cultivation specs
Seed
Spacing
Spacing notes
Plant spacing 30-45 cm, row spacing 40-60 cm. For dense planting 6 plants per m². When thinning, set to 30 cm spacing.
Growth dimensions
Final size notes
Height 30-80 cm, width 30-60 cm. Medium growth, compact to broadly bushy depending on variety. Root system up to 40 cm deep, laterally spreading.
Temperature
Temperature notes
Hardy to -15°C, but young plants sensitive to late frosts. Optimal growth at 15-25°C. Heat and drought tolerant.
Water
Critical water phases
- Establishment after planting
- Flower formation
Water notes
Water only during prolonged drought, otherwise low water demand. Avoid waterlogging - quickly leads to root rot. Water young plants regularly until established.
Nutrition
Nutrition notes
Prefers nutrient-poor soil. Overly rich soil leads to lush but less fragrant growth. Light compost application once per year in spring is sufficient.
Site
Full sun, warm location with good air circulation. Ideal on south-facing slopes, wall tops, or in gravel beds. Avoids shady, damp locations.
Soil
Well-draining, chalky, lean soil. Sandy-loamy with pH 6,5-7,5. Improve heavy, clayey soil with sand and lime. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Watering
Frequency
sparingly after establishment
Method
at the root zone
Notes
Waterlogging is one of the main causes of failure.
Nutrition
Fertilizer type
very light
Frequency
as needed
Notes
Lean soil supports compact, aromatic plants.
Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Bed planning notes
Lavender is perennial and remains in place for 5-10 years. Not suitable for crop rotation, but as a permanent planting in perennial beds, herb spirals, or rock gardens. Keep at least 40 cm distance from other plants.
Deficiencies
- Slugnitrogen_excess
Name
Nitrogen Excess
Description
Lavender prefers lean soils. Excess nitrogen leads to lush, soft growth at the expense of flowering and fragrance.
SeveritymediumSymptoms
- Very lush, dark green growth
- Fewer flowers
- Reduced fragrance
- Increased susceptibility to diseases
Control
- Stop fertilizing
- Amend soil with sand or gravel to lean it out
- Leach soil in potted plants
- Slugiron_chlorosis
Name
Iron Chlorosis
Description
Can occur in extremely alkaline or compacted soils, although lavender prefers calcareous soil. Rarely a problem.
SeveritylowSymptoms
- Yellow leaves with green veins (especially on young leaves)
- General stunted growth
Control
- Check soil pH
- Apply iron chelate fertilizer (cautiously, as lavender prefers lean soil)
Problems
- Slugwaterlogging
Name
Waterlogging
Description
The greatest danger for lavender. Quickly leads to root rot and plant death.
SeverityhighSymptoms
- Wilting leaves
- Yellowish discoloration
- Soft stem base
- Foul odor
Causes
- Poor soil drainage
- Excessive watering
- Heavy, impermeable soils
Management
- Choose a site with good drainage
- Improve soil with sand/gravel
- Water sparingly
- Sluglegginess
Name
Leggy Growth and Bareness
Description
Without regular pruning, lavender becomes woody from below and bare, leading to an unsightly shape.
SeveritymediumSymptoms
- Long, sparsely leaved shoots
- Few flowers
- Woody base without new shoots
Causes
- Lack of pruning
- Insufficient sunlight
- Aging plant
Management
- Annual pruning in spring and after flowering
- Ensure sufficient sunlight
- Slugpoor_flowering
Name
Poor Flowering
Description
Lavender flowers sparsely when conditions are not optimal.
SeveritylowSymptoms
- Few or small flower spikes
- Short flowering period
Causes
- Insufficient sun
- Too much nitrogen fertilizer
- Incorrect pruning time
- Too moist soil
Management
- Choose a full sun location
- Maintain lean soil
- Prune correctly
- Slugfrost_damage
Name
Frost Damage
Description
Although many lavender varieties are hardy, severe winters or late frosts can cause damage, especially to young plants.
SeveritymediumSymptoms
- Brown, dead shoots
- Split bark
- Death of entire plant sections
Causes
- Severe frosts without snow cover
- Late frosts after early sprouting
- Insufficient winter protection
Management
- Winter protection (brushwood, fleece) in harsh areas
- Select varieties based on hardiness
- Do not prune too late in autumn
Problem management
Common pest groups
- Sucking insects (aphids, whiteflies)
- Spittlebugs
Common disease groups
- Fungal diseases (root rot, grey mold, leaf spot)
Prevention principles
- Site selection: Full sun, warm, and well-ventilated.
- Soil: Well-drained, lean, and calcareous.
- Watering: Absolutely avoid waterlogging, water only during prolonged drought.
- Pruning: Regular pruning promotes vitality and prevents woodiness.
- Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing for good air circulation.
Diagnosis notes
Look for wilting leaves, discolorations, unusual growth patterns, or visible pests. Most problems with lavender are due to incorrect site conditions or overwatering.
Disease graph
Profiles
- Slugroot_rotSeverityhigh
Conditions
- Waterlogging
- Poor soil drainage
- High humidity
Affected parts
- Roots
- Stem base
- Entire plant
Prevention
- Ensuring excellent soil drainage
- Planting on mounds or in raised beds
- Sparse watering
Organic control
- Remove affected plant parts
- Loosen soil and improve with sand/gravel
- Stop watering immediately
- Sluggrey_moldSeveritymedium
Conditions
- High humidity
- Poor air circulation
- Dense planting
- Cool temperatures
Affected parts
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Shoots
Prevention
- Adequate plant spacing
- Regular pruning to promote air circulation
- Avoiding overhead watering
Organic control
- Immediately remove and destroy infected plant parts
- Improve growing conditions
- SluglegginessSeveritymedium
Conditions
- Lack of pruning
- Insufficient sunlight
- Aging
Affected parts
- Stems
- Leaves (lower area)
Prevention
- Strong annual pruning in spring
- Light pruning after flowering
- Planting in a full sun location
Organic control
- Prune woody shoots back to green wood (not into old wood)
Diagnostic rules
Symptom
Plant wilts, leaves turn yellow, stem base is soft and smells foul.
Possible causes
- root_rot
First checks
- Check soil moisture
- Assess soil drainage
- Examine roots for rot
Symptom
Grey, fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves, dying shoots.
Possible causes
- grey_mold
First checks
- Check humidity and air circulation
- Assess planting density
Symptom
Plant becomes bare from below, long, sparsely leaved shoots.
Possible causes
- legginess
First checks
- Check last pruning date
- Assess sunlight exposure
Symptom
Few or small flowers, reduced fragrance.
Possible causes
- poor_flowering
- nitrogen_excess
First checks
- Check sunlight
- Review fertilization history
- Check soil moisture
Symptom
Brown, dead shoots, split bark after winter.
Possible causes
- frost_damage
First checks
- Check variety's hardiness
- Review winter protection measures
Prevention strategy
Cultural
- Choose a full sun, well-ventilated location.
- Ensure extremely well-drained, lean, and calcareous soil.
- Plant lavender on slightly raised beds or in pots with drainage holes.
- Maintain adequate plant spacing to promote air circulation.
- Perform a strong annual pruning in spring and a light one after flowering.
Monitoring
- Regularly check soil moisture to avoid waterlogging.
- Inspect plants for first signs of wilting or discoloration.
- Look for unusual frothy nests or insects on shoots.
Organic first response
- For waterlogging: Stop watering, loosen soil, repot if necessary.
- For fungal infections: Immediately remove and dispose of affected plant parts in household waste.
- For pest infestations: Rinse with a strong jet of water or apply neem oil.
Notes
The best prevention for most lavender problems is adherence to optimal site and care conditions, especially good drainage and sparse watering.
Phenology
Stages
- Germination: 14-28 days
- Sprouting: Spring
- Flowering: June-August
- Fruiting: Late summer
- Leaf fall: Not applicable (evergreen)
Notes
Lavender is a perennial subshrub that sprouts in spring and flowers in summer. The flowering period can be extended by pruning.
Harvest
- Flowers: June-August
- Leaves: Year-round (young leaves most aromatic in spring)
Harvest details
Harvest frequency
Once annually for flowers, continuously for leaves.
Harvest indicators
- Flowers: Fully open but not yet faded.
- Leaves: Young and fresh, before woody growth.
Post harvest handling
Hang flowers and leaves to dry or spread them on a rack. Protect from direct sunlight. Store in airtight containers after drying.
Storage
- Dried flowers
- Dried leaves
- Essential oil
Storage details
General storage category
Store dry, cool, and dark.
Storage life
Dried flowers and leaves: 1-2 years. Essential oil: Several years with proper storage.
Processing options
- Drying
- Distillation for essential oil
- Infusion in oil or alcohol
- Use as a spice
Kitchen usage
Lavender flowers and young leaves can be used sparingly in the kitchen, e.g., in baked goods, desserts, savory dishes (especially with lamb or poultry), or for flavoring vinegar and oil. The flavor is intense and should be dosed carefully.
Safety and edibility
Edible parts
- Flowers
- Young leaves
Inedible or caution parts
- Older, woody plant parts
Toxicity notes
In usual culinary amounts, lavender is considered safe. Excessive consumption or ingestion of large amounts of essential oil can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution.
Raw consumption
Young leaves can be consumed raw in small quantities. Flowers are usually processed dried or fresh in dishes.
Seed saving
- Seeds can be harvested from dried flower spikes.
- Seeds are viable after drying.
Seed saving advanced
Collect seeds from healthy, mature plants. Allow seed heads to dry completely until seeds drop. Store seeds cool, dry, and dark. Viability is limited (1-3 years). For specific cultivars, ensure no cross-pollination with other lavender species has occurred if true-to-type seed is desired.
Woody crop details
Notes
Lavender is a robust, perennial subshrub that requires little special training or shaping. The main care consists of regular pruning to promote flowering and a compact growth habit.
Ecology
Biodiversity notes
Lavender is an excellent food source for bees, bumblebees, and other pollinating insects. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen, contributing to local biodiversity. The plant itself offers little shelter or food for other wildlife.
Practical notes
Lavender is an easy-care plant that benefits from some basic maintenance. The most important aspect is avoiding waterlogging. Annual pruning promotes flowering and keeps the plant compact. Lavender is well-suited for beginners, as long as the location is sunny and the soil is well-drained.
Seasonal content
Spring
In early spring (March/April), the most important pruning is done to rejuvenate the plant and prepare it for flowering. Young plants can be planted out if needed.
Summer
The main flowering period is from June to August. After flowering, cut back the spent stalks to encourage reblooming. Harvest flowers regularly for fragrance and culinary use.
Autumn
A light pruning can be done again in autumn if necessary to maintain shape. Autumn planting is also possible.
Winter
In harsh areas, light winter protection (e.g., with brushwood) is advisable to protect the plant from severe frost. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.



