Proper lavender care in the fall, preparation for winter, and repotting are key to ensuring the plant survives the cold well. There are some nuances to consider, such as what and how to cover it for the winter and the best time to plant it. Expert experience helps novice gardeners avoid mistakes and preserve lavender even in low temperatures.
Features of lavender care in autumn
Lavender is a delicate plant, and to ensure it doesn't suffer from low temperatures, it needs the right conditions. It thrives in warmer climates, so in areas with harsh climates, before wintering, it's essential to:
- loosen the soil around the bushes;
- remove weeds thoroughly;
- cut the flower;
- add mineral fertilizers for top dressing;
- cover carefully for the winter.
For lavender to grow vigorously, its roots need to be able to receive oxygen without obstruction. This is achieved by loosening the soil. If the soil is compacted, this should be done regularly throughout the season, while removing weed roots. To prevent re-growth, you can mulch the soil around the bushes with fallen leaves. To make the bushes more attractive, replace the leaves with decorative substrates, which are also beneficial.
Watering is also important. The plant does not tolerate marshy soil. The amount of water should be moderate. Otherwise, the leaves will begin to rot and turn yellow. If not watered enough, the plant will gradually dry out. It's best to water the area as it dries out. Before winter, lavender can be fed with potassium and phosphorus. The main feeding is done in the spring. Fertilizing can be avoided if a special decorative substrate is placed around the bushes. As it decomposes, mineral fertilizers will be released into the soil, nourishing the plant's root system.
Pruning lavender in autumn
Gardeners prune throughout the season and during the flowering period. This is necessary to ensure that faded buds are replaced by new ones. This pruning is essential in the fall. There are several reasons for this, but the main goal is to preserve the shrub for a long time.
Should lavender be pruned in the fall?
Timely pruning before winter is essential. This procedure helps keep the plant compact. Not all gardeners remove above-ground shoots, citing a desire to maintain the crown's shape. After snow falls, the plant will be tightly covered and won't freeze even in low temperatures.
In regions where precipitation may be minimal, above-ground shoots can be killed by wind and frost. When exposed to frost, trunks become brittle and easily damaged. The risk of plant diseases increases in broken parts. They can also be damaged by insects.
When to prune lavender in the fall or spring
Planting and caring for lavender In open ground, pruning is recommended starting in the first months of spring. This procedure is necessary to speed up flowering. It also helps shape the shrub. This work can be carried out in the garden as soon as the risk of frost has passed and temperatures have stabilized.
Pruning can be radical. This involves removing a third or half of the shrub's total volume with pruning shears. This is acceptable if pruning wasn't performed in the fall. It's also necessary to prune trunks damaged by frost or pests. In the fall, all shoots that have finished blooming should be carefully removed. Given all the nuances, there's no definitive answer as to when pruning is best: fall or spring. Pruning is important throughout the season.
When and how to prune lavender in the fall
Pruning can begin in the fall, once the plant's second flowering period has ended. This usually occurs in September. Excess growth is removed to make it easier to cover the shrub for the winter. Leave the top 3 cm tall. This will allow the plant to easily survive the cold season and avoid damage from sub-zero temperatures.
Pruning is done in two stages. First, the shoots are removed to mid-height. Then, rejuvenation pruning is performed. The remaining portion of the trunk is removed to maintain the desired height. This ensures the plant will survive the winter without harm.
Fertilizing lavender after pruning
After pruning lavender, it's essential to fertilize it. You can use any fertilizer sold at specialty flower shops. Dilute the fertilizer with water (2 tablespoons per 10 liters). Before fertilizing, loosen and water the soil thoroughly. If you pour fertilizer on dry, untreated soil, the lavender's root system won't withstand it and will burn.
How to Preserve Lavender in Winter
Lavender grown In warmer climates, it doesn't need protection from the cold. It's a frost-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius. In dry climates, it should be covered. If lavender grown in pots, then at the first cold snap it is transferred to a warm place, protected from cold drafts.
The most dangerous season for the flower is considered to be spring, with its sharp temperature fluctuations—warm during the day, but significantly lower at night. Snowy winter is considered a safer time.
How to cover lavender for the winter
Protecting lavender from winter cold is not that difficult if you follow a few simple recommendations.
- Snow should not get inside the crown, so the bushes should be tied well.
- The soil circle should be well insulated. Using ordinary fallen leaves is not recommended, as their decomposition creates harmful microorganisms and fungi that can damage lavender. Dry peat and pine needles are excellent for this purpose.
- The entire bush should be covered with spruce or other coniferous branches. The shelter must be secured with twine. The bush can be lightly buried in soil. The spruce shelter should be generously covered with snow. If there is no snow, the plant will likely not survive the frost.
If lavender is grown in northern regions, plywood boxes can be used for shelter. Place a large number of spruce branches on top of them to improve oxygen circulation and retain heat.
Covering lavender for winter in different regions
Preparing lavender for winter varies from region to region. This is due to climate conditions: in some cities, winter is accompanied by abundant snow and winds, while in others, there may be no snow, and the air is too dry and cold. To preserve the plant, it's important to consider every detail; otherwise, the flower will perish at the first frost.
In the central zone (Moscow region)
This region is prone to severe frosts, but most gardeners in the Moscow region prefer not to cover their plants for the winter. Fall pruning is also avoided—long trunks, when tied and then covered with snow, provide better warmth and protection from the cold than other coverings.
Broadleaf lavender must be insulated with straw, hay, branches, or peat. If the plant is grown in pots, it should be moved to a warmer room. Otherwise, it will die at the first frost.
In the Volga region
In this region, winters are characterized by severe frosts. Temperatures can drop below -25 degrees Celsius. These weather conditions are prolonged, typically lasting two weeks or more. If the low temperatures are not accompanied by a substantial snow cover, all the seedlings will freeze. Therefore, lavender must be covered to provide adequate protection.
In the Urals and Siberia
These regions are characterized by severe winters, with temperatures dropping below 35 degrees Celsius. Only the narrow-leaved lavender (a frost-hardy variety) can withstand such weather conditions. Pruning the plant is not recommended. Only a tall shrub can withstand frost while maintaining its root system.
In the Urals and Siberia, covering lavender is essential. All available methods are used for this. Suitable methods include:
- sackcloth;
- agrofibre;
- spruce branches;
- spruce branches.
Only good insulation will allow the plant to survive the winter, and in the spring it will begin to delight you with vigorous growth, flowering, and an unforgettable scent.
Wintering of potted species
More and more gardeners are planting lavender in pots and growing it for landscaping, and using it to decorate terraces and balconies. With proper care, this ornamental plant will overwinter well. In preparation for cold weather, it should be pruned and the soil enriched with the necessary amount of mineral fertilizer. Potted plants should not be left outdoors over the winter. They will not tolerate low temperatures, even with proper protection. It's best to place pots in a warm, heated room until spring.
Planting lavender in autumn
In warm climates, the flower can be safely planted in the fall. Winter temperatures don't drop to critical levels, and the plant won't die. Residents of temperate climates are better off replanting the shrub in the spring. It's important to select a site beforehand. Lavender won't grow in waterlogged soil. It also requires consistent sunlight.
A suitable spot in the garden isn't always available, so it's best to create the necessary conditions artificially. To slightly drain the soil, create a raised bed, dig a depression, and first fill it with drainage material and expanded clay, then fill it with soil and plant flowers. During fall planting, you should:
- create a 40 cm elevation in the chosen location;
- prepare holes for flowers 25 cm deep;
- place them at a distance of 40 cm from each other;
- 60 minutes before planting in the ground, place the roots of the plants in water;
- cut off the tops;
- During planting, add additional mineral fertilizers to the soil.
If lavender is properly planted, it will overwinter without problems. It takes about two months for the plant to fully establish. It can be propagated by dividing the mother plant. Dig it up and divide it with a knife. Treat all cuts with an antiseptic: charcoal, crushed activated carbon, or foundation powder. This will prevent plant diseases and root rot.
Planting methods
Flowers should be planted in pre-prepared holes. Their depth varies depending on the plant variety. A depth of 25-30 cm is considered optimal. You can plant individual plants or form groups of them. In this case, leave a distance of 40 cm between the resulting bushes. For a denser row, this distance is typically reduced by half. Experienced gardeners prefer group plantings. They can be used to easily create a decorative border or carpet planting. Flowers grow well in raised beds, pots, or vases used for landscaping or balconies.
Optimal time for planting
Spring is the best time to plant. This is considered the optimal time. You should wait until frosts have completely ended and warm weather has set in. Residents of southern regions can do this in September or October. The climate is perfectly suitable. There should be at least two months before the expected cold snap and the first frost.
Soil for the plant
The flower won't grow in marshy, heavy soil. Stagnant water is unacceptable for it, as root rot will occur immediately. A sandy loam or gravelly, well-drained site is ideal. However, the soil shouldn't be oversaturated with nutrients or deficient.
In some cases, gardeners prepare their own soil mixtures, later filling the holes they've dug for planting. For the optimal composition, mix the following:
- leaf soil;
- humus;
- sand.
Landing site
To plant the flower, choose a well-lit, warm spot in the garden. This will promote lush blooms and the release of its distinctive aroma. If planted in a shady spot, the plant will bloom infrequently, with only a few buds visible.
The soil should be dry. Excess moisture negatively impacts the plant's growth and development. If elevation is necessary, it's best to do so artificially. An alpine garden is ideal for planting.
Transplanting lavender in autumn
The bush must be dug up carefully, without damaging its root system. It's important to leave a large clod of soil on the plant to protect the roots from damage. Repotting is recommended in late summer or early fall, when the flowering period ends. Repotting lavender in the fall is necessary if:
- no shrub growth;
- you need to change the location of the plant;
- It is necessary to divide one large bush into several small ones.
Despite its small size, lavender's root system can penetrate up to 4 meters into the soil. However, this isn't a problem during transplantation, as the plant easily tolerates this process.
Mistakes of novice gardeners
Lack of knowledge about plant care can lead to mistakes that will ultimately lead to the death of the shrub or stunt its growth. To prevent this and enjoy its beautiful blooms, avoid:
- Water generously and prune the plant thoroughly. Excess moisture will cause the roots to rot, and deep pruning will prevent the plant from fully recovering.
- Planting lavender in soil that's too crowded, like clay or peat, will prevent the roots from receiving the oxygen they need to thrive.
- Prune quickly in the spring. Avoid actively pruning the bushes to remove excess and dry foliage immediately after the snow melts. The flower takes a long time to awaken, so it needs to be brought back to its proper shape later, when warmer weather arrives.
- Covering flowers with plastic is a serious mistake, as it can lead to rotting. By spring, most of the flowers will be completely lost.
If you avoid these common mistakes, lavender will tolerate cold well, delight you with lush flowers, and will not cause any trouble in care.
Tips for florists
The main problem faced by gardeners is the shrub's poor frost resistance. Only narrow-leaved lavender thrives in open ground, and only if it receives a protective cover. Ordinary fallen leaves are not suitable for this purpose. They can harbor pests, pathogenic microflora, and fungi. Overwintering under the leaves will have a detrimental effect on the plant. For this purpose, it's better to use pine branches. They are used to cover not only the plant but also the root zone.
If lavender isn't blooming, it's in the wrong location—it's too shaded. Lack of growth can also be a sign of overfertilization with nitrogen fertilizers. For good growth, it's important to loosen the soil and eliminate weeds. Proper watering, timely pruning, fertilizing, and preparing lavender for winter also help.
In conclusion
Proper lavender care in the fall and proper preparation for winter will help preserve the plant. In the spring, of course, the bushes won't look their best immediately after the snow melts. Unsightly thickets will gradually recede, and then you can begin to cultivate them. Capricious and demanding, lavender requires constant attention, but if done correctly and promptly, the result will be vibrant blooms in the garden and a unique aroma wafting throughout the area.
Lavender: Growing from Seed