Do you have a patch of lavender, but it keeps falling over? Don’t worry – this is a common problem.
But it’s also one that can be solved with a few simple tips and tricks.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why lavender tends to fall over, and how to keep it upright with tactics like staking the plant, planting upright varieties, and more.
Read on to learn more about how to keep your lavender from falling over!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
One way to keep lavender from falling over is to ensure the soil is well drained and mulch the area around the plant to help keep the soil moist.
It is also important to plant lavender in an area that receives full sun, and prune the plant regularly to keep it from growing too tall and top heavy.
Lastly, you can add stakes or other supporting structures to help keep the plant upright.
Reasons Why Lavender Tends to Fall Over
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Unfortunately, it can also be prone to toppling over.
To prevent your lavender plants from falling over, it is important to understand why this happens in the first place.
The most common reason why lavender tends to fall over is due to its shallow root system.
Lavender has a shallow root system which means that it is not able to anchor itself in the soil as other plants can.
This makes it more vulnerable to toppling over in windy conditions or when exposed to heavy rain.
Another reason why lavender is prone to falling over is because it is a top-heavy plant.
The flower heads of lavender are often large and heavy, which can cause the stems to become weighed down.
This can cause the stems to bend over or snap which can cause the entire plant to topple over.
Finally, lavender is often planted in too much shade which can cause it to become weak and prone to falling over.
Lavender needs plenty of sunlight to thrive so it is important to make sure that it is planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Staking the Plant
Staking the plant is one of the most important steps in keeping your lavender upright and preventing it from toppling over.
When the plant is young, it is important to provide adequate support by staking it.
This will ensure that the plant does not become too top-heavy and topple over.
Stakes are generally made of metal or plastic and should be tall enough to reach the desired height of the plant, and should be firmly secured into the ground.
The stakes should be placed at the base of the plant, and the lavender should be tied to the stake with string or twine.
As the plant matures, it may need to be staked more often as it grows taller.
Additionally, it is important to check the stakes periodically to ensure that they are still firmly in place and providing adequate support.
Planting Upright Varieties
An important factor in keeping lavender from falling over is to plant varieties that are naturally more upright.
These varieties may not need staking and can provide the sturdy support that the plant needs.
Many of these varieties are hybrid cultivars that have been bred for their upright growth habit.
Some of the most popular varieties include ‘Hidcote Blue’, ‘Munstead’, ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’, and ‘Grosso’.
Each of these varieties has a unique look and fragrance that can make your garden stand out.
Additionally, they are all relatively low-maintenance and can thrive with the right amount of sunlight, water, and well-draining soil.
Planting a variety of these upright lavender varieties in your garden can give it a more uniform look while still providing that special touch of beauty and fragrance.
Adequate Sunlight
When it comes to keeping lavender from falling over, adequate sunlight is essential.
Lavender needs plenty of direct sunlight to thrive, so its important to choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
If your lavender is planted in a spot that gets too little sun, it will be weaker and more prone to toppling over.
Additionally, be sure to avoid planting your lavender in a shady spot, as this will also increase the chances of it falling over.
When selecting a spot for your lavender, keep in mind that the more sun it gets, the more fragrant and vibrant it will be.
Regular Watering
Regular watering is an important part of keeping your lavender from falling over.
Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs some water to stay healthy.
Watering the plant regularly will help to keep the soil moist, which will make it easier for the lavenders roots to stay firmly in the soil and prevent it from toppling over.
For best results, water your lavender every 3-4 days during the growing season.
During dry spells, it may need to be watered daily.
Pay close attention to the soil and water when it begins to feel dry.
Over-watering can also cause the plant to become weak and more prone to falling over.
Be sure to check the soil and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
Well-Draining Soil
When it comes to keeping your lavender from falling over, one of the most important steps you can take is to use a well-draining soil.
Lavender plants need soil that can quickly and easily disperse water, as they are susceptible to root rot if the soil remains too wet.
To ensure that your lavender has the best chance of staying upright, choose a soil with a good drainage system and add organic matter such as compost or mulch to help the soil retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
If you’re planting lavender in containers, use a potting mix specifically designed for container plants with good drainage.
Be sure to check the soil regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Additional Tips
Aside from providing adequate support to keep your lavender from falling over, there are several other tips and tricks to help your lavender thrive.
For example, its important to provide plenty of sunlight.
Lavender thrives best in sunny, well-drained areas with exposure to at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Additionally, youll want to water your lavender regularly, but not too much.
Too much water can lead to root rot, so make sure your soil is well-draining and only water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Finally, you may want to consider using a slow-release fertilizer, as this will help to provide your lavender with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Additionally, youll want to prune your lavender plants regularly to help promote bushy growth and keep them healthy.
By following these tips, youll be able to enjoy the beauty of your lavender for a long time.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your lavender upright and healthy for a long time.
Stake the plant when its young, plant varieties that are known to stay upright, provide adequate sunlight, water regularly, and use a well-draining soil.
With the right care, your lavender can be the centerpiece of your garden for years to come.
Put these tips into practice and enjoy the beauty of lavender in your garden.