In principle, lavender, which originally comes from the Mediterranean region, is a fairly easy-care plant - it does not need to be watered or fertilized regularly. However, the plant has special demands on its location.
Does lavender need direct sun?
Lavender needs a full sun, sheltered location in order to thrive optimally and develop its high proportion of essential oils. Partially shaded locations can be sufficient if the soil is appropriate, but shaded positions should be avoided.
Lavender needs a full sun spot
This includes placing your lavender in as sunny a spot as possible. In the garden, the location should be in full sun and protected from the wind, but it can also be dry and even rocky. A sunny rock garden or a plant in a gravel bed is therefore ideal. If the soil is appropriate, white lavender in particular thrives in partially shaded locations, although it does not have to be in full sun, but it still has to be bright. However, a place in the shade - for example in north-facing gardens or balconies - is not recommended. Such a location causes the plant to take care of itself and sooner or later die.
Essential oils only develop when there is enough sun
Lavender has a very high proportion of essential oils, which is why the flowers of the plant have an unmistakable, intense smell. Especially if you harvest lavender (and e.g. If you want to use the dried flowers, for example), you need a sunny location. Lavender only develops its high proportion of essential oils when it is sufficiently bright and warm.
Drying lavender in the sun
Speaking of harvesting lavender flowers: You can use the intensely scented flowers in a variety of ways, for example in scented sachets to ward off moths, in homemade creams and perfumes or as tea. To do this, harvest the flowers as soon as they have fully bloomed. Spread them out over a large area on a towel or something similar and let them dry in a warm, dry and sunny place for a few days. Alternatively, you can leave the flowers on the stem and proceed as follows:
- Tie the harvested lavender stems together into small bouquets with twine.
- Hang the bouquets upside down in a dry and warm place (e.g. attic or garden shed), preferably in the warm summer sun.
- Let them dry thoroughly there.
- The lavender is dry enough when the leaves and flowers crumble when touched.
- Crumble the required plant parts and pack them in an airtight container.
Tips & Tricks
Water the lavender as little as possible during the flowering period, otherwise excessive concentrations of the essential oils will develop. Lavender planted in the garden only needs additional water in very hot summers, because thanks to its very deep taproots it draws moisture from the soil.