Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Growing perennial lavender starts with understanding that this fragrant herb is more than just a seasonal beauty.
Perennial lavender comes back year after year when it’s planted in the right conditions and given proper care.
If you’ve been wondering how to grow perennial lavender, you’re in the right place.
It’s a rewarding plant that rewards patience with stunning purple blooms and a calming scent.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow perennial lavender successfully, the best varieties to choose, planting tips, care routines, and how to keep it thriving season after season.
Let’s dig in.
Why Grow Perennial Lavender
Perennial lavender is a favorite among gardeners for good reason.
It’s drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and smells absolutely divine.
Unlike annual varieties that fade after one season, perennial lavender returns each year with minimal effort once established.
Here’s why choosing perennial lavender is a smart move:
1. It Comes Back Every Year
Perennial lavender is a long-term investment for your garden.
With the right care, it can live for 5 to 10 years or more.
That means you plant it once and enjoy it for many seasons.
2. It Attracts Pollinators
Bees and butterflies absolutely love perennial lavender.
If you want a buzzing, lively garden, this plant is your best friend.
It also helps nearby vegetables and flowers by boosting pollination.
3. It’s Low Maintenance Once Established
Perennial lavender doesn’t need much once it’s settled in.
It thrives on neglect, actually, as long as drainage is good and it gets plenty of sun.
That makes it perfect for busy gardeners or beginners.
How to Grow Perennial Lavender: Step by Step
Learning how to grow perennial lavender comes down to three key factors: sun, soil, and drainage.
Get those right, and your lavender will flourish.
1. Choose the Right Variety
Not all lavender is perennial in every climate.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most cold-hardy and reliable perennial.
French and Spanish lavenders are beautiful but less tolerant of cold winters.
If you want perennial lavender that comes back strong, English varieties like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’ are your best bet.
2. Plant in Full Sun
Perennial lavender needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Without enough sun, it gets leggy, produces fewer blooms, and becomes prone to disease.
Pick the sunniest spot in your garden for the best results.
3. Ensure Excellent Drainage
This is the number one rule for growing perennial lavender.
Lavender hates wet feet and will rot if the soil stays soggy.
Mix sand or gravel into your soil, or plant on a slight mound to improve drainage.
Raised beds work great if your ground soil is heavy clay.
4. Plant at the Right Time
Spring or early fall is ideal for planting perennial lavender.
This gives the roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold hits.
Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow good airflow.
5. Water Wisely
Young perennial lavender needs regular watering until it’s established.
After that, water deeply but infrequently.
Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Caring for Perennial Lavender Through the Seasons
Once your perennial lavender is in the ground, the work isn’t over.
A little seasonal care goes a long way.
1. Prune After Flowering
Pruning keeps perennial lavender bushy and prevents it from getting woody.
Cut back about one-third of the plant after it finishes blooming in late summer.
Avoid cutting into old wood, as it may not regrow.
2. Avoid Overfertilizing
Perennial lavender doesn’t need much fertilizer.
Too much nitrogen leads to leafy growth with few flowers.
A light application of compost in spring is usually enough.
3. Protect in Winter
In colder zones, mulch around the base of perennial lavender with straw or evergreen boughs.
This protects the roots from freezing and thawing cycles.
Don’t mulch right up against the stems, as that can cause rot.
4. Watch for Pests and Disease
Perennial lavender is fairly pest-resistant thanks to its strong scent.
But poor drainage can lead to root rot, and humid conditions may invite fungal issues.
Good airflow and proper spacing are your best defenses.
Common Mistakes When Growing Perennial Lavender
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with perennial lavender.
Here are a few to avoid:
1. Planting in Shade
Perennial lavender will not thrive in shade.
It may survive, but it won’t bloom well and will look spindly.
2. Overwatering
This is the quickest way to kill perennial lavender.
When in doubt, underwater rather than overwater.
3. Using Rich, Heavy Soil
Perennial lavender prefers lean, sandy, or gravelly soil.
Rich, moisture-retentive soil is a death sentence for this plant.
4. Skipping Pruning
Without annual pruning, perennial lavender becomes woody and sparse.
Regular shaping keeps it productive and beautiful.
So, How to Grow Perennial Lavender?
Growing perennial lavender is simple when you give it what it loves: full sun, sharp drainage, and occasional pruning.
Perennial lavender rewards you with years of blooms, fragrance, and pollinator activity.
Just remember to plant it in the right spot, water it wisely, and protect it through winter.
With these tips on how to grow perennial lavender, you’ll have a garden that smells amazing and looks stunning season after season.
Happy planting.