Why does my lavender look like this?

Question

When I bought them they were standing straight up, now they look like they are dropping down, am I doing something wrong? Or are they suppose to look like that?

Shari · Answer

Unfortunately, I can't help you with hands-on advice; I have the blackest thumb ever. However, just a couple days ago, one of my favorite bloggers posted an interview with someone from a CA lavender farm on how to grow and care for lavender. Maybe there is something in that interview that will give you some insight to your problem. Here's the link: http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2013/08/growing-and-caring-for-lavender/

Jessica C · Answer

They are most likely root bound and need to be repotted. Add fresh soil and I would also fertilize regularly when watering.

Sensible Gardening and Living · Answer

It's possible you are watering it too much? Lavender should always stay on the dry side.

Patricia W · Answer

And may I add that lavender does not like water on it, just at the roots.

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

My two cents worth....pull one out of the pot and look at the roots if they are black you have rotted the roots with too much water and they probably will not make it. If they are still white, then you have probably just under-watered them and you may be able to save them. If there is a mass of roots as @Jessica Cramer suggests then I would follow her advice, but I wouldn't fertilize until the plants are more stable. If use a root stimulating fertilizer you are not helping and if you and a leaf stimulating fertilizer you are adding additional stressors to the plants. 
When plants are left in the container either condition will occur. Also if you have them on concrete in full hot sun and reflective heat there is a chance that you have scorched the roots which them may or may not recover from. 
Best thing to do at this point is put them in the ground if possible to see if they will recover. Keep them on the dry side as @Sensible Gardening and Living stated they do like to be dryer rather than wetter. I would not give them fertilizer until you have them stabilized.

Carol Harris · Answer

Mine was beautiful for about 4 years, I had it planted around the mailbox, so pretty and this year is was the most beautiful ever, than it just died, . I know it need to have full sun, maybe you need to move it more in the sun.

Judy O · Answer

I believe they need to be repotted. I can see they are in their orig pots, you should always repot plants soon after purchase because they are usually maxed in size for the pot they are sold in.

CindyD · Answer

A few years ago, I tried lavender and the whole plant slowly died. I did have it in the ground but I later found out it needs really good drainage. Since we have clay soil, it couldn't survive. I have improved the soil and planted a new one this year...so far it's doing well. Good Luck with your plants!!!

Kathy C · Answer

Also, when repotting, make sure you comb through the roots so they are not wrapped each other in a tight ball. You can even trim the roots once you've combed them.

Teri Tripp-Lanciault · Answer

I live in an area with heavy clay soil but have had great luck with lavender by digging deeply and mixing a lot of sand with the clay. They do NOT like wet feet and these look like that might be the problem....or being pot-bound. Good drainage is imperative. If you wish to leave them potted...go for larger pots and cut the root system so they are not bound up. Good luck!

Margó · Answer

Szia!  Próbálok segíteni.én élek Magyarországon, es van 180 levendulám
.Ez a virág Szereti a napot,az árnyékban elpusztul.AZ olyan helyet, Ahol Éri a Tűző nap, .Kevés locsold, ha a felső réteg száraz.csak akkor locsold .Ha cserépben tartod, jó nedvesség-áteresztő földet használj, Tápoldatozást keveset igényel. Nálam 2x virít az év folyamán.Gyönyörű!!!! Ha sok víz éri,elpusztul! Remélem,tudtam segíteni!!!

Jenny Pepper · Answer

Take them out of those small tubs, and either repot into much larger tubs or plant directly into your garden. They prefer sandy soil and sun, and need to be spread out more to allow for airflow, as not keen on damp conditions. Lavender grows into much bigger bushes and make a lovely hedge. Plant some near your door / gate, then when you brush past you create the lovely aroma. Don't forget to prune after flowering. I find it is one of those plants that looks after itself.

Why does my lavender look like this?

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Why does my lavender look like this?

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