Asked on Aug 14, 2014
Want to fill space with lavender
by
Carol P
+32
I have a very dry area that I want to fill in with something profuse. Attached is a picture. In early spring there are jonquils along the back side of the railroad tie and then Iris on each side that are loving the space. I want to finish with I think Lavender fill in. Like a field of it or a large mound. I think I could have rock issues there as well. Any ideas? Am I going in the right direction? Do I plant in the Spring with several qt containers or from seed? How far apart to space?
20 answers
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Lavender would be perfect! Sunny and dry :-) I would start with 3 or 4 plants in the spring...Dont do too many because they WILL fill in!
Jen
on Aug 14, 2014
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I would buy in early spring the small 4cm pots of lavender and spcae in alternating rows at 3 foot centers.
Sensible Gardening and Living
on Aug 14, 2014
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It looks like a great spot for lavender. If you want something taller, cone flower or black eyed susan's like it sunny & dry.
Anne Fitzpatrick
on Aug 14, 2014
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Hey Anne Fitzpatrick! Thats my maiden name..Fitz-Patrick from Maine :-) all above answers are correct! The BIGGEST mistake made (me included) is thinkin they look so lonely and over plant...they WILL fill in!
Jen
on Aug 15, 2014
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I think lavender is a great choice for Kansas. The plants get BIG, so do give them room. If they look too sparse for you the first season or two, plant annuals around them.
Douglas Hunt
on Aug 15, 2014
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If you are not totally set on lavender, how about Cleome? I will evenj send you seed. They are a profusion in pink, white, lavender and purple and self seed. Grow up to four' tall. My neighbors love mine and always want seed. Can become invasive though. :-)
Rose S
on Aug 16, 2014
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hey Rose S im trying to fill in my back yard dirt mound would they work in WV and where do you get them like from Lowes or something next spring?
Lisa
on Aug 16, 2014
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Lavender is a wonderful idea. I have clay soil and had to amend with sand but they are hardy and smell awesome. And a few of @No search results.Rose S's cleomes in the back would make a great backdrop. (I wouldnt mind some of those seeds, myself, Rose...if you are so inclined! :-) )
Teri Tripp-Lanciault
on Aug 16, 2014
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Lavender is a wonderful idea. I have clay soil and had to amend with sand but they are hardy and smell awesome. And a few of @Rose S's cleomes in the back would make a great backdrop. (I wouldnt mind some of those seeds, myself, Rose...if you are so inclined! :-) )
Teri Tripp-Lanciault
on Aug 16, 2014
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Lavender is a great idea. There are a number of varieties.....from white to pinky to almost deep purple and early, mid and late season bloomers. Some have great fragrance and others are not so much. They don't like wet feet so don't over water. If you want some tall background for them consider cleome (already mentioned here), Joe Pye weed, iron weed, some of the tall asters, rudbeckia (gloriosa daisies), Shasta daisies, day lilies, catmint, Russian sage, Blue Mist spirea, morning glories on a trellis....most anything in either blue/pink/white or yellow color ranges to complement the lavender coloring and to extend your bloom season. Lavender doesn't like a lot of fertilizer....it is fond lean soil and water situations.
Dorothy
on Aug 16, 2014
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When amending clay soil it is recommended to use gypsum to help break up soil....also compost helps. Sand and clay produce concrete. There are clay mines underneath the city I live in and I have fought the clay issue all my life.....my newly planted is doning great....now to get thru the winter.....Russian sage works well in dry, hot, clay areas. Wish you well.
Terry Stutes
on Aug 16, 2014
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Oh.....newly planted lavender is doing well.....
Terry Stutes
on Aug 16, 2014
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I would like to get some of Rose's cleomes seed
LOUISA
on Aug 16, 2014
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I love both the idea of lavender and cleome. Pinks and purples are my favorite. I live in Central FL, hot in the summer, frequent rains, but the water goes right through the soil since it is so sandy, the top few inches of soil remain dry. We do not get freezes so I am wondering if lavender needs some cold. There are so many things that can't be grown here. But, on the other hand, I have a tree that will bear oranges, grapefruit, limes, and lemons, can't beat that! Someone let me know if I can grow those other two in FL?
Melinda Edwards
on Aug 16, 2014
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If you want something that is spectacular and looks like Lavender but does well in cruddy soil (we are 100% sand) Try Russian sage. It doesn't have the same lovely smell but you can dry it like lavender. Its is still fragrant though. http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=3350
Marci N
on Aug 16, 2014
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Here is a link to plants grown in FL. http://floridayards.org/fyplants/
Terry Stutes
on Aug 17, 2014
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I have tried lavender from seed, and by buying plants at markets. None have survived. My soil is def' clay and rocks, but I have added sand and, of course the soil from the pots. On my Pinterest page, I have collected pics of lavender fields in France because I love it so much, but it has to stay on the computer! Any really good tips would be much appreciated.
Linda T
on Aug 17, 2014
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Carol - lavender would be perfect in that spot and the fact that it is a bit rocky isn't a problem at all. I've grown lavender here in Kansas and it does quite well as long as it doesn't end up with "wet feet". You'll probably find that the blooming period will pick back up in the fall, as it will back off a bit during the extreme heat of the summer. (Spring/early summer/fall are the best times for it to take off blooming) Make sure you buy plants to start with as starting out with seed is very VERY hard to do. Good luck!
Pagan Raven
on Aug 19, 2014
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When having problems growing plans my first action is to check the pH of my soil and what the pH is that my plant needs....test kits are are cheap....if you don't find a problem there then have the soil's nutrients checked .......little more money....maybe under $50.00 but well worth it
Terry Stutes
on Aug 19, 2014
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lavender grows fine in Ohio
Mssmatch
on Dec 10, 2014
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