An expert nurseryman reveals the most common traps that threaten the survival of these Mediterranean plants. Lavender, symbol of Provence, seems easy to grow, but its maintenance requires specific precautions.
An unsuitable exhibition
Douches Washed request optimal sunshine (minimum 6 hours a day) for abundant flowering and an intense scent. Placing these plants in the shade or partial shade causes gradual weakening, with yellowing foliage and reduced flowering.
Areas to be prohibited :
- Under the trees : Persistent shadow and radical competition compromise its development.
- North sides : Exposure to cold and stagnant humidity favors fungal diseases.
- Unprotected balconies : Strong winds destroy the inflorescences and damage the foliage.
Incompatible media
Lavender butterfly Lavandula stoechas and his cousins angustifolia have specific requirements:
- Avoid heavy soils : Clays retain water, causing root rot.
- It prefers calcareous soils : Variety angustifolia thrive in poor, alkaline soil, while stoechas they tolerate acidic soils better.
- Opt for perfect drainage : A bed of gravel or crushed stone under the planting in the ground ensures water drainage.
Devastating sizing errors
Improper pruning can kill a lavender in just a few months. Nurseries warn about:
- The size is too radical : Removing more than 30% of the foliage weakens the plant and reduces its resistance to cold.
- Cuttings in full bloom : Give preference to size after flowering so as not to interrupt photosynthesis.
- The absence of annual pruning : Without regular maintenance, lavender becomes woody and loses its compact shape.
Secrets to successful planting
The choice between pot and open ground
| Criteria | Pot | Open terrain |
||-||
| Space | Balconies, small gardens | Big spaces, huge |
| Interview | Frequent watering, repotting | Natural drainage, less water |
| Mobility | Easy redevelopment | Final implementation |
Key Tips :
- In the jar : use a draining soil (Promix type) and avoid excess watering.
- In the open ground : Enrich the soil with compost and respect the sowing distances (50 cm between individuals).
Sowing techniques
- Prepare the soil :
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Add a mixture of potting soil and sand to improve drainage.
- Place the plant :
- Keep the collar in the open air to prevent it from rotting.
- Lightly compact the soil around the roots.
- Water moderately :
- Just one watering after planting, then let dry between waterings.
The varieties to favor based on your climate
Lavande Caro: Washing La Rustic
- Resistence : Supports down to -15°C, ideal for cold regions.
- Flowering : June-July, colors from mauve to lilac.
- Foliage : Grey-green, aromatic.
Lavandula stoechas: The semi-resistant
- Resistence : Tolerates -10°C, requires shelter in winter.
- Flowering : Spring and autumn, purple inflorescences with white stamens.
- Foliage : Silver grey, more fragile than angustifolia.
Advice from the professionals
Common errors at a glance
- Bad exposure : Shade, wind, stagnant humidity.
- Unsuitable terrain : Clay, excess fertilizer, inappropriate pH.
- Excessive dimensions : Cuts too frequent or too radical.
Solutions for every problem
| Problem | Solution |
||-|
| Yellowing foliage | Check drainage, reduce watering |
| No flowering | Increase sunlight, prune after flowering |
| Root rot | Replace the soil, use a free-draining substrate |
The ideal companion plants
- Rosemary : Attracts pollinators, repels insects.
- Thyme : Shares the same needs for soil and sunlight.
- Wise : Improves resistance to fungal diseases. : Follow the advice of experts
By avoiding recurring errors and adapting the technique to the specificities of each variety, gardeners can grow healthy and fragrant lavender. As the nurseryman reminds us: «A well-cared for lavender is a plant for life, but a positioning or pruning error can ruin it in a few weeks. »
Last piece of advice : Favor the local varieties adapted to your climate and consult a professional for a personalized diagnosis. Lavender deserves special attention, but is rewarded handsomely with its beauty and intoxicating scent.
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