Lavender: The Most Common Picky & Difficult Plant to Grow in New England!
I do not know of a plant most people love more than lavender. Even the Seacoast with its more temperate climate is a touch place to grow lavender. Here are some tips that I have learned through the years. Most importantly, if you really love lavender and would love to grow a lot of it, you should call me before bringing the plants home- I can help. It’s all about location location location.
Best Lavender Varieties for New England Some lavender varieties are better suited for New England’s climate, including:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Hardy to USDA zones 5-8, this is the best choice for New England. Popular cultivars include ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) – A hybrid that is slightly less cold-hardy but still viable in some areas (e.g., ‘Grosso’ and ‘Phenomenal’).
Site Selection
Full Sun – Lavender needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Well-Draining Soil – It thrives in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils with good drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with sand or gravel to improve aeration.
Slightly Alkaline Soil – Aim for a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Lime can help raise soil pH if necessary.
Planting
Timing – Plant lavender in late spring after the last frost.
Spacing – Space plants 12-18 inches apart to ensure good airflow.
Mulching – Use gravel or sand as mulch instead of organic mulches, which can retain too much moisture.
Care & Maintenance
Watering – Lavender prefers dry conditions. Water deeply but infrequently, especially after establishment. Overwatering can lead to root rot.\
Pruning – Prune in early spring and after flowering to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. avid cutting wooded branches unless they are dead wood.
Winter Protection – In colder parts of New England (zones 5-6), protect plants with a layer of straw or evergreen boughs to insulate against freezing temperatures.
Common Issues & Solutions
Root Rot – Avoid overwatering and ensure excellent drainage
Fungal Diseases – Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent fungal issues.
Winter Kill – Choose hardy varieties and provide winter protection in exposed areas.
There you have it, growing lavender in New England can be challenging due to the region’s cold winters, high humidity, and sometimes acidic soils. However, with the right variety selection and proper care, you can successfully cultivate this fragrant herb. Here’s what you need to know: