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You can grow lavender in Hawaii if you choose the right varieties and give them the specific conditions they crave.
Many people assume lavender can’t grow in Hawaii because of the humidity.
But the truth is, you can grow lavender in Hawaii successfully, especially if you live at a higher elevation or near the coast where the breezes keep things a bit drier.
The key to growing lavender in Hawaii is understanding that this plant hates wet feet and loves the sun.
In this post, we’ll explore how to grow lavender in Hawaii, the best varieties to pick, and the simple tricks to keep your plants thriving in our tropical climate.
Let’s dig in.
How to Grow Lavender in Hawaii Successfully
Growing lavender in Hawaii is totally possible, but it requires a little more attention than growing it in Provence or California.
The main challenge is our humidity and heavy rainfall, which can lead to root rot.
However, if you follow these specific steps, you can grow lavender in Hawaii without pulling your hair out.
1. Choose the Right Variety for the Tropics
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to heat and humidity.
If you want to grow lavender in Hawaii, you should look for varieties that are more tolerant of moisture.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata) are often better choices for Hawaii than the common English lavender.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) struggles in low elevations because it prefers cool, dry summers.
But if you live up in Kula, Volcano, or Waimea, you might have luck with English lavender too.
For most of us in Hawaii, though, Spanish or French varieties are the way to go.
2. Ensure Perfect Drainage
The number one killer of lavender in Hawaii is soggy roots.
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that hates sitting in water.
If you plant lavender in Hawaii in our thick, clay-heavy soil, it will likely rot.
You need to amend the soil heavily with perlite, coarse sand, or cinder to create a fast-draining mix.
Better yet, plant your lavender in a raised bed or on a slope where water runs off quickly.
If you’re growing lavender in Hawaii in pots, make sure the container has plenty of drainage holes and use a cactus or succulent mix.
3. Give It Full Sun and Airflow
Lavender needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight to grow well in Hawaii.
But just as important is airflow.
In our humid climate, stagnant air encourages fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Plant your lavender in an open area where the trade winds can blow through the foliage.
Don’t crowd it with other plants.
If you’re growing lavender in Hawaii on a lanai, place it near a breezy spot but protected from harsh salt spray if you’re right on the ocean.
4. Water Sparingly
When you grow lavender in Hawaii, you need to fight the urge to water it every day.
This plant is drought-tolerant and actually prefers to dry out between waterings.
In fact, overwatering is the fastest way to kill your lavender.
Stick your finger into the soil.
If it feels moist, wait a few days.
If it’s dry, give it a deep soak.
During our rainy season, you might not need to water at all.
Just make sure your soil drains fast so the roots aren’t sitting in a puddle.
Ongoing Care for Lavender in Hawaii
Once your lavender is established, it’s pretty low-maintenance, but there are a few things to keep in mind to grow lavender in Hawaii long-term.
1. Prune After Flowering
Pruning keeps your lavender from getting woody and leggy.
In Hawaii, lavender can bloom almost year-round in some areas, but it usually has a flush of flowers in the spring or after the rains.
Lightly trim the plant after each bloom cycle to encourage bushy growth.
Never cut into the old, woody stems because they might not regrow.
Just trim the green, leafy growth.
2. Fertilize Lightly
Lavender doesn’t need much fertilizer.
In fact, too much nitrogen will make it grow soft and leafy, which makes it more susceptible to rot in Hawaii.
A little bit of compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer once a year is plenty.
If you’re growing lavender in Hawaii in poor soil, you might not need to fertilize at all.
3. Watch for Pests and Diseases
The biggest issue you’ll face when you grow lavender in Hawaii is root rot from too much moisture.
You might also see aphids or whiteflies, but these are usually minor.
The real enemy is fungus.
If you notice your plant wilting despite having wet soil, it’s probably root rot.
Pull the plant, check the roots, and if they’re brown and mushy, it’s too late.
That’s why drainage is so critical from the start.
So, Can You Grow Lavender in Hawaii?
You can grow lavender in Hawaii if you give it the dry, sunny, and breezy conditions it needs to thrive.
It’s not the easiest plant for our tropical climate, but it’s absolutely doable with the right variety and a little extra care.
Focus on drainage, sunlight, and airflow, and you’ll be rewarded with those beautiful, fragrant blooms.
So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy growing lavender in Hawaii in your own garden.