If youre looking to bring a burst of color and a calming fragrance to your home, look no further than the delightful lavender plant.
With a variety of varieties, lavender is an easy to take care of addition to any garden or home.
But which lavender is best for pots? In this guide, well take a look at the three main varieties of lavender, discuss the considerations for potted lavender, and look at soil requirements and sun and air circulation needs for each variety.
Read on to learn more about choosing the right lavender for your home!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The best lavender for pots is a variety of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
It has a strong fragrance and is very drought tolerant, so it can survive in pots with less frequent watering.
It can also be pruned to keep it in a desired shape and size.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is also a good choice, as it is a small shrub with a strong fragrance and attractive foliage.
Types of Lavender
When it comes to choosing the best lavender for pots, there are several varieties to consider.
The most common types of lavender are English, French, and Spanish lavender.
Each type has unique characteristics and will thrive in different climates and soils.
English lavender is the most popular type of lavender and is known for its sweet, fragrant scent.
The flowers of English lavender are small and come in shades of purple, pink, and white.
It is a hardy and upright variety that is well-suited for containers and can handle both hot and cold temperatures.
French lavender is another popular type of lavender that is known for its dense foliage and colorful flowers.
Unlike English lavender, French lavender is more compact and can be planted in pots or containers.
It is more drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant than English lavender and will thrive in hot climates.
Finally, Spanish lavender is a low-maintenance variety that is more tolerant of heavy soils and is drought-resistant.
It is also more tolerant of cold temperatures and can withstand colder climates.
The small, purple flowers of Spanish lavender are highly fragrant and will attract bees and butterflies.
French Lavender
When it comes to lavender, French Lavender is one of the most popular varieties for use in pots.
Not only is it incredibly fragrant, but it also has great drought- and heat-tolerance, making it ideal for growing in containers.
French Lavender grows in a more compact form than other lavender varieties, so it is well suited for smaller pots and containers.
This variety is best planted in a sunny spot and needs plenty of air circulation in order to thrive.
It is also important to make sure that the soil is well draining and not too heavy, as French Lavender is not as tolerant of heavy soils as some other varieties.
If youre looking for a low-maintenance option, French Lavender is a great choice for your containers.
Just make sure to give it plenty of sun and water it regularly to keep it happy and healthy.
English Lavender
English lavender is one of the more popular varieties of lavender for pots and containers.
It is an upright, bushy variety of lavender with gray-green foliage and intensely fragrant purple flowers.
It is a hardy plant that can tolerate dry, hot conditions, making it an ideal choice for pots and containers.
English lavender can reach up to two feet in height, so it is best in containers that are at least 12 inches deep.
It is also relatively low-maintenance and doesn’t require much pruning or fertilizing.
When planting English lavender in a pot, make sure to provide adequate drainage and provide plenty of sunlight.
To ensure that your English lavender stays healthy, water it deeply and regularly.
You can also add some compost or mulch to the soil to help conserve moisture and provide additional nutrients.
Spanish Lavender
When it comes to lavender, Spanish lavender is a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance variety.
This variety is drought-resistant and can handle heavy soils, making it an ideal choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to their plants.
It’s also heat-tolerant, which means it can take the heat of the summer sun without wilting or drying out.
Spanish lavender also has a wonderful fragrance, making it a great choice for those who want to add some extra scent to their garden.
As with all lavender varieties, Spanish lavender does best in a sunny spot with plenty of air circulation.
This variety is also a bit more compact than other varieties, making it well-suited for growing in containers.
Considerations for Potted Lavender
When it comes to choosing the best lavender for pots, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
The most important factor is whether or not the lavender variety is drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant.
Lavender can be grown in containers, but it needs to be in a sunny spot and get plenty of air circulation in order to thrive.
Additionally, the container should be large enough to allow for drainage and growth.
Its also important to note that some lavender varieties require more maintenance than others.
For example, French and English lavenders tend to be hardier and more fragrant, but they also need more attention when it comes to watering and pruning.
On the other hand, Spanish lavender is much more tolerant of heavy soils and is more resistant to drought.
Its also a low-maintenance variety, making it a great choice for those who dont want to spend too much time tending to their plants.
Ultimately, the best lavender for pots will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Soil Requirements
When it comes to choosing the best lavender for pots, soil requirements are an important factor to consider.
The type of soil you use for your potted lavender plants can affect their growth and health.
Generally, lavender prefers a well-draining neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0.
Sandy soils are ideal for lavender, as they allow for better drainage and provide more air circulation to the roots.
If your soil is too heavy or compacted, it is best to mix in some organic matter or perlite to improve drainage.
You should also add compost or aged manure to the soil to provide the lavender with essential nutrients.
Additionally, lavender benefits from a soil rich in organic matter, so adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can help improve its fertility.
Sun and Air Circulation
When it comes to choosing the best lavender for pots, sun and air circulation are two important factors to consider.
Lavender loves to soak up the sun, so make sure your container is in a location that gets at least six to eight hours of full sun per day.
Additionally, lavender needs plenty of air circulation to thrive, so be sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of breezes and avoid locations where the air is stagnant.
If your pot is placed in a shady spot, it wont get enough sun and the lavender will become spindly and weak.
Likewise, if the air is too still, the lavender wont get enough air circulation and could develop fungal diseases.
To ensure your lavender stays healthy and vibrant, find a spot that gets plenty of sun and fresh air.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lavender for your pots can be tricky, but goes a long way in creating a beautiful and fragrant outdoor space.
French lavender is compact and fragrant, while English lavender is more upright and robust.
Spanish lavender is the more low-maintenance choice and is drought-resistant.
Whichever variety you choose, ensure that it is planted in a sunny spot with plenty of air circulation and in well-drained soil.
With these considerations in mind, you can create a stunning and aromatic garden with your potted lavenders.