How to Plant a Lavender Hedge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Growing a Lavender Hedge
I recently planted a lavender hedge along my front walkway. Not only is it beautiful, but it also serves as a functional border and privacy screen. Plus, whenever someone visits, they are greeted by the lovely scent of lavender and vibrant purple blooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant your own lavender hedge too.
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Choosing the Right Variety of Lavender
Before planting, it's crucial to select the right variety of lavender for your hedge. Knowing your climate zone is essential to choose a hardy option.
In colder zones, English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a great choice due to its ability to withstand harsh winters, it is hardy in Zones 5-9.
I opted for English Lavender not only for its resilience but also for its compact growth and fragrant flowers.
Although French and Spanish lavender varieties are available, they are generally better suited for warmer climates zones 8-10.
When in doubt, look at what your local nurseries (not big box stores) are selling because if they are growing it , it is most likely suitable for your area.
The lavender that I planted for my hedge is Munstead which is a type of English Lavender.
Choosing the Right Spot
Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and has good drainage.
Avoid planting your lavender hedge in areas with heavy clay soil or spots that are prone to waterlogging. Lavender thrives in dry conditions and dislikes wet feet.
Choose a location that meets these requirements to ensure its success.
Planning Your Hedge
Now that you know the type of lavender and the location for your lavender hedge, it's time to plan how you'll plant it.
Measure the Area:
Determine the length and width of the area where you want to plant your hedge. This will help you decide how many plants you need.
Spacing:
Space your lavender plants about 18-24 inches apart. This allows each plant enough room to grow and ensures your hedge will be dense and full. Spacing is important because planting the lavender too close together can lead to poor air circulation and increase the risk of disease. You want them to have room to grow but not be too spread out that there are gaps in your hedge.
Mark the Area:
Mark the spot for each plant's placement. I personally arranged all my plants in their designated "homes" before moving them aside while digging their holes.
Here is how far apart I planted my lavender plants. It is about 18 inches apart.
Preparing the Soil
Test the Soil:
Lavender prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Test your soil pH and add lime if it’s too acidic.
Improve Drainage:
To enhance drainage in heavy or clay-like soil, incorporate sand, gravel, or cactus soil. Lavender roots are prone to rotting in waterlogged conditions. In my region, where the soil is predominantly heavy clay, I improved drainage by adding a layer of cactus soil to the planting holes. This fast-draining medium, combined with landscape stones, ensures optimal drainage.
Planting Your Lavender Hedge
Dig the Holes:
Dig holes for your lavender plants. The hole should be the same depth as the rootball of the lavender. Avoid making it deeper, as you want the plant to sit level with the soil surface to prevent water pooling and root rot.
Plant the Lavender:
Place each plant in its hole and fill it in with soil, firming it gently around the base to eliminate any air pockets. Ensure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
Watering:
Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks, but be careful not to overwater. Once established, if there is no rainfall, water it deeply every two weeks. Regular watering is only needed until it forms its root system then lavender prefers dry soil.
This is the rootball and it is a good measure of how deep you will need to plant.
Maintaining Your Lavender Hedge
Pruning:
Prune your lavender hedge annually to keep it tidy and encourage bushy growth. The best time to prune is after flowering in late summer. When pruning lavender, trim no more than one-third of this year's growth and avoid cutting into old wood, as lavender recovers slowly from heavy pruning.
Watering:
Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing:
Lavender doesn’t need much fertilizer. A light application of compost in the spring is usually sufficient.
Pest Control:
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids. Use organic methods to control pests if needed, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil. The good news is that lavender tends to repel a lot of pests but you should still monitor it regularly.
A lavender hedge can take a few years to reach its full potential, but the wait is worth it. Once established, it will provide year-round beauty and fragrance. Use your lavender hedge to define garden borders, create privacy, or simply add a touch of elegance to your landscape.
