lavender Vera

[ladybird1960]

Can anyone tell me how long it takes for lavender to grow ....... I planted some in my garden yesterday straight from the nursery, when will i see the colour coming through....also does it spread well and return year after year.

[woofgang]

lavender flowers in the late spring and early summer. It tolerates dry soil, in fact hates to sit in wet or poorly drained soil and needs full sun. It is pretty hardy but may not survive a really cold winter especially if it is wet as well. It isnt really a spreader and does not readily self seed. To keep it growing you have to give it a good trim over immediately after flowering. When you do this be carefull to trim only this year's growth as lavender doesn't like to be cut back into previous year's wood

[Guinevere]

Excellent choice, I love lavender!  Wolfgang is completey correct about the soil.  My mum tried growing lavender in the heavy clay soil in her garden, and lost about 4 plants!  We have now improved the soil and have 2 lovely lavenders. As long as the soil is well drained and the plant is in the sun, it should romp away.  Lavender is also loved by bumble bees (many types of which are under threat) so it's a good choice for a nature friendly garden.

Woofgang is also right about the pruning, as lavender can get quite big, but once they get large they can't really be trimmed back, so it is best to give them a re-shape every year.  I collect up the flowering stalks, dry them in the airing cupboard, tie a bit of purple ribbon around them, and give them away as gifts!  I also use the loose flowers in little bags to put in drawers to keep clothes smelling summery all year round.

Lovely!