How Much Space do Lavenders Need to Grow?

To ensure that lavenders do not have to compete for essential resources such as water, space, nutrients, and sunlight, it is crucial to plant them 2-3 feet apart from each other and other plants. This spacing is particularly important because the amount of sun exposure affects the strength of fragrance, oil production, and number of flowers.

When planting lavender, it is crucial to consider the varying sizes of different varieties at full maturity as this can impact the distance between each plant. To determine the appropriate spacing for your lavender cultivars, refer to the helpful table provided below by scrolling down.

Why Lavenders Need 2-3 feet of Space

In order to showcase the most beautiful blooms, generate more oil, and remain healthy, lavenders should be planted at least 2-3 feet away from one another and any other vegetation.

Lavenders can survive if planted in closer proximity, but this may negatively impact their health in terms of:

• Sunlight. Lavenders prefer full sun exposure (at least 6 hours). The more sunlight they get, the more they will bloom and produce oils. If you plant lavenders too close to one another or near other plants, they will cast shade on each other (particularly the larger varieties which can reach up to 40 inches in height). Sun is one of the most essential growing conditions for lavender so it is important that you space them out enough to receive adequate light.
• Area required for the root system of each mature lavender plant. Lavender plants typically have roots that spread about 10 inches or more, and some varieties like ‘Hidcote Giant’ require 2-3 feet of space to establish themselves properly. Providing this much space will prevent competition among plants for water and nutrients, allowing them to develop strong roots for better stability and optimal growth and blooming.
• Air circulation. Another significant factor that affects the positioning of lavenders is air circulation around the foliage. If you are planting lavender in a temperate, moist or more humid atmosphere, then the amount of space you give each plant becomes even more critical. Lavenders are adapted to the arid climate of the Mediterranean, so placing them far apart in an area of your garden where there is an occasional breeze will help reduce the effects of humidity. Lavender naturally thrive in quick draining sandy soils and are drought tolerant plants that prefer a dry environment. If they are exposed to too much moisture they can develop fugal diseases such as root rot. Soil amended with sand, infrequent watering and breezy conditions with plenty of room will help lavender grow and flower in more humid climates.

Spacing Different Lavender Varieties when Planting

Lavender plants have a wide range of sizes, with some giant specimens growing to a considerable height, while dwarf cultivars remain small.

It is important to remember that lavenders require ideal growing conditions to reach their maximum size and produce the most beautiful flowers.

The size of the lavender will determine how far apart you should space them. This implies that you can place dwarf lavenders closer together, as long as they are not deprived of sunlight.

The strength of the bloom and fragrance of lavenders is directly related to the amount of sunlight they receive per day, allowing them to be planted in closer proximity as long as they do not shade each other, which is why dwarf lavenders are preferred for decorative low lavender hedges.

The large types of lavender are utilized for decorative and industrial purposes in the production of lavender oil. A single one of these towering plants, which can reach up to 40 inches (1 m) in height, can emit a pleasant aroma that spreads throughout the garden during the summer.

To achieve optimal fragrance and blooms from the ‘Hidcote Giant’ variety, it is recommended to plant them at a minimum distance of three feet apart.

Large lavenders should be kept at a distance of three feet from other large plants, as well as walls, fences, or any other garden feature that could impede air flow or increase humidity. The lavender will be more resistant to fungal disease if there is less humidity and more breeze around it.

How Far to Space Lavenders in Pots or Raised Beds

When determining the appropriate distance to separate lavenders in pots or raised beds, it is recommended to follow comparable guidelines, where smaller lavenders should be spaced 2 feet apart and larger varieties should be spaced 3 feet apart.

Although lavenders require a certain amount of space to grow, it is possible to place them closer together in pots due to the improved ventilation compared to planting them in the ground.

Lavender grown in pots or raised beds on patios or gravel are less susceptible to damp soil and increased humidity caused by immediate sources of water vapour, such as wet soil, due to their favourable drainage.

As long as each lavender plant is getting sufficient light, you can place potted ones nearer to each other; however, if they are not content with their placement, you can always modify and relocate them.

For more details on the simplicity of this process, take a look at my article: Growing Lavenders in Pots.

Using raised beds is an effective solution to prevent issues with soil that retains water or damp low-lying regions. In case your garden has ample exposure to wind, you can plant lavenders in closer proximity without any difficulty.

If you feel that your lavenders are not growing properly, you can consider transplanting them to a new location in the garden or into pots. It is recommended to carry out this process during the early spring season.

Check out my advice on moving lavenders for the most effective techniques and the steps you should take to reduce transplant shock.

Key Takeaways:

• • Spacing between lavender plants should be 2-3 feet.
  • Planting dwarf lavenders in proximity (18 inches – 2 feet) is feasible, while larger varieties thrive and flower better when spaced 3 feet apart.
  • Planting lavenders with a distance of 2-3 feet between each other will avoid any competition for essential resources such as light, water, nutrients, space and air flow, resulting in optimal flower production and fragrant aromas.
  • When it comes to potted plants and lavenders in raised beds, they can be placed a bit nearer to each other as there is a possibility of better drainage and increased airflow, but it’s crucial to ensure that they are not blocking sunlight from one another since lavenders require full sun.
  • Plant lavenders further apart in more humid and temperate climates.

Planting lavenders with a distance of 2-3 units between them can enhance air circulation, which in turn reduces the chances of fungal infections that may harm your plants.
Think about how accessible your lavenders will be for you when selecting a spot for them, as they must be pruned at least once annually to impede the growth of wood from the base and prolong their lifespan. For more tips on this, check out my article on why lavender plants become woody.

• Properly spacing lavenders can enhance their well-being and stimulate greater production of blossoms, oils, and fragrances.