A lush, blooming scented garden with roses, lavender and all sorts of wonderful summer bloomers is every gardener's dream. However, for this project to be successful, the needs of the individual plants must be known and implemented. Lavender, for example, does not require a lot of care, but has very specific requirements for its location.
Where is the best place to plant lavender?
The ideal location for lavender is a sunny, sheltered spot with dry, sandy or stony soil. Waterlogging and heavy clay soils should be avoided. Year-round cultivation as a houseplant is not recommended; in winter, lavender prefers a cool, bright location.
Lavender loves sun and warmth
Lavender comes from the Mediterranean region, where the summers are very long, hot and dry, while the winters are mild. In its homeland, the lushly flowering subshrub is pampered by the sun, which is why it prefers a sunny and protected spot in Germany. A location in partial shade or even shade should be avoided if possible - you won't have much fun with the sun-hungry lavender there.
Lavender in the apartment
Some people would like to keep the pretty and fragrant lavender as a houseplant in their apartment. In principle, this is possible, but you should note the following points:
- Growing lavender as a houseplant all year round is not advisable.
- In summer, the indoor lavender should be placed on the balcony or terrace.
- Alternatively, you should ventilate frequently, but do not expose the plant to drafts.
- In winter, lavender should be kept in a cool and bright location - for example in a poorly heated bedroom.
The optimal soil should be dry, sandy and not too acidic
Lavender is used to dry and nutrient-poor soils. It has adapted so well to the conditions of its homeland that it can get water and nutrients from the earth even from several meters deep using its very deep taproots. That's why the soil should be as barren as possible and dry, because lavender does not tolerate waterlogging. Sandy or stony soil is best, while heavy clay or peat soil should be worked before planting.
Tips & Tricks
Lavender is often planted together with roses. Please note, however, that both plants have very different soil and care requirements. Socialization only works if you take these differences into account.
