Quick Action Needed for Discolored Lavender: Recommended Steps Now
In the sun-drenched fields of Provence, France, the beauty of yellow lavender leaves has captured the attention of many. But back in our own gardens, caring for lavenders can sometimes be a challenge. Here's a guide to help you nurture these fragrant plants and keep them thriving.
Lavenders, with their delicate purple blooms, are a favourite among gardeners. They are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9, preferring warmer temperatures. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and the death of lavenders. Instead, lavenders thrive in a dry, harsh environment with very few annual rainfalls.
The ideal pH level for lavenders ranges from 6.4 to 8.2. High or low pH levels can affect the health of lavenders by making it difficult for them to absorb water or nutrients. To correct the pH of lavender soil, you can use vinegar, baking soda, and other products.
Lavenders are vulnerable to pests like spittlebugs, whiteflies, aphids, snails, and fungi. Use pesticides and fungicides to repel these pests. High humidity can also turn the leaves of lavenders yellow. To address this, ensure your lavenders have good airflow and water them sparingly.
Over-fertilizing is another common reason for lavender turning yellow. Symptoms include weak plants, no flowers, and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves). To rectify this, amend the soil with sand or grit, fertilize less often, or repot into a new pot with appropriate media.
When it comes to watering, water lavenders when the soil is dry, 4-6 inches deep, and only occasionally. Water in the morning to allow the sun to dry excess water. Repot lavenders every 2-3 years to ensure airy soil and prevent disease. The new pot should be 1-2 inches larger.
Lavenders do not need regular feeding and prefer a nutrient-poor soil. The optimum soil mix for lavender is 70 percent loam and 30 percent sand. Mulch lavenders with gravel or decomposed granite, not organic mulch or compost.
When planting lavenders, dip the stalks in rooting hormone before planting to hasten growth. Lavender seeds have a high rate of germination and can be planted just before the last frost date.
If you're facing issues with diseased lavenders, remove dead roots and leaves, amend the soil with fungicides, and dispose of the sick plants that cannot recover. Diseased or dying lavender plants can be a sign of root rot, caused by fungi species like phytophthora.
To propagate lavenders from stalks, plant them in suitable soil or potting mix and water daily until new growth appears. Alternatively, you can grow lavender cuttings in water, changing the water every two days, and then plant them in soil when roots appear.
To survive winter, collect stalks from your lavenders and replant them in spring. If lavenders are frail and dying, it may indicate that the variety is not suitable for the region. Choose lavender varieties based on their suitable USDA hardiness zones.
Lastly, prune lavenders immediately after blooming, cutting tall varieties by a third and shorter varieties by 2-4 inches. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to maintaining healthy, vibrant lavenders in your garden.
Glen, a gardening expert with over 15 years of experience in garden maintenance, design, and landscaping services, shares his knowledge through a blog. His latest posts include topics on planting soybeans in Alabama, grass seed in Oregon, and carrots in Zone 5.
Remember, lavender turning yellow is a cause for concern as it means that the plants have an urgent need that should be attended to immediately. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to keep your lavenders thriving and enjoy their beautiful blooms all season long.
