Susan - you haven't mentioned where you live as this can affect how well it grows.
English lavender has grown well for me (in Sheffield) as a low growing hedge in the ground for a few years in full sun, but it really needs lots of grit adding at planting time - usually 50% grit to soil. Lavender hates cold and damp at the roots.
Even following the above, I've had less success with the french lavender types which aren't as cold hardy as the english type.
Also never prune into old wood as doing so can also finish it off...
I live in Manchester area, I agree about French lavenders. Think that's my mistake. I do have a very woody one that has survived. The bees love it and the smell is heaven. I'm going to save my money and not buy any more lavenders. Say this every year. And every year I have another go. But I claim defeat. ????
I live south of Manchester but in the hills. My French lavender is in a pot and goes in the GH in winter. Still a bit finicky though. I have other lavenders doing well so far on a shaley south facing bank, and more dotted about in more normal soil (but all more or less acid) which are doing ok. I had some for years in the veg garden part - open, sunny (when sun available!) but quite clayey and they survived but didn't thrive.
I like them but the bees don't seem bothered by those currently available, they are all on the lamb's ears and other flowers. They do need sun to develop the scent, the hotter the better. Some of mine have very little scent but the ones on the bank are good.
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Susan - you haven't mentioned where you live as this can affect how well it grows.
English lavender has grown well for me (in Sheffield) as a low growing hedge in the ground for a few years in full sun, but it really needs lots of grit adding at planting time - usually 50% grit to soil. Lavender hates cold and damp at the roots.
Even following the above, I've had less success with the french lavender types which aren't as cold hardy as the english type.
Also never prune into old wood as doing so can also finish it off...
Regards Paul.
I live in Manchester area, I agree about French lavenders. Think that's my mistake. I do have a very woody one that has survived. The bees love it and the smell is heaven. I'm going to save my money and not buy any more lavenders. Say this every year. And every year I have another go. But I claim defeat. ????
I live south of Manchester but in the hills. My French lavender is in a pot and goes in the GH in winter. Still a bit finicky though. I have other lavenders doing well so far on a shaley south facing bank, and more dotted about in more normal soil (but all more or less acid) which are doing ok. I had some for years in the veg garden part - open, sunny (when sun available!) but quite clayey and they survived but didn't thrive.
I like them but the bees don't seem bothered by those currently available, they are all on the lamb's ears and other flowers. They do need sun to develop the scent, the hotter the better. Some of mine have very little scent but the ones on the bank are good.