Complete guide to French lavender care

French lavender, also known as lavandula stoechas, is a beautiful and fragrant plant that’s native to the Mediterranean region. We call ours Laurens. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about how to care for French lavender. Let’s get started: 

• Give your French lavender plenty of sun, it will enjoy soaking up the rays
• Plant French lavender in well-drained soil
• Prune your French lavender in April before it starts growing, and again in September

French lavender is a popular choice for gardens, balconies, and indoor spaces, thanks to its unique look and hardy nature. It will be at its most beautiful and flowery during summer months. French lavender is amongst the most fragrant varieties of lavender, so cut off the blooms and use them to make your own essential oils, or make sachets of dried buds to keep under your pillow.

French lavender needs plenty of light to grow and thrive. Pop yours in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It loves to sunbathe and soak up the warm rays.

When it comes to watering French lavender, less is often more. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Instead, water your French lavender only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. During the growing season, water it once a week, and in the winter, cut that back to every 2-3 weeks.

French lavender prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. It doesn't like soil that’s too moist, so if you’re planting it in a trough, window box or decorative pot make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

French lavender doesn't require much feeding, but if you want to give it a boost, you can fertilise it once a month during the spring and summer growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser. Avoid fertilising in the winter when the plant is dormant.

Pruning is important for French lavender, as it helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant's shape. It's best to prune the plant in early spring before new growth appears. Trim off any dead or damaged branches and cut back the remaining branches by about one-third of their length. You can prune again in September once the plant is finished flowering.

French lavender is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it's important to keep an eye out for common issues like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungal diseases. If you notice any signs of pests or disease, treat the plant with an insecticide or fungicide as soon as possible.

French lavender doesn't need to be repotted often, but if it starts to outgrow its current container or the soil becomes too compacted, it's time to repot. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one and use fresh potting soil.

French lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that’s easy to care for as long as you follow a few tips. With the right care, your French lavender will thrive and add beauty and fragrance to your home or garden.