Words of wisdom on lavender plants?

I just bought two lavender plants and now have them in gallon-size earthenware planters. They're doing well, but I just want to make sure I don't kill them!

Words of wisdom on lavender plants?
the key thing to remember about lavender is that it needs excellent drainage. Make sure you have adequate drainage holes in the bottom of your pots. A layer of sharp sand or small gravel a few inches deep at the bottom of the soil will ensure proper drainage.


Make sure they get a lot of sunshine (at least 8 hours direct sun a day, 10 is better). Water them regularily, but only if they have adequate drainage. dont fertilize, or fertilize minimally. Keep in mind that earthenware or terra cotta planters dry out faster than plastic or wooden pots.


If you live where the winter gets colder than zone 6, you'll have to plant them in the ground at least a month before fall freeze-up; they wont survive winter in a pot in zone 5 and colder.
Reply:dont over water them they are from hot climate and when they have flowered cut them back hard.you wont go far wrong with this advice.if you fail to cut them back hard they will go all woody ugly and die not long after.hope this helps
Reply:I live in SF near the coast and for the most part, they really thrive out here. I purchased a variety that was too delicate and didn't survive after I put it into the ground in the back yard. Sandy soil and fog, cool weather out here.





The delecate one was OK when left in the container in the patio area; but after being replanted out in my sandy soil, it wouldn't grow, some branches turned brown, leaves died -- eventually entire plant died. I had no way of knowing that the plant wouldn't like it out in the yard. Maybe I should have rescued it sooner and repotted it. I have four or five other lavendar bushes -- all different and all hardier.





Helen might have hit on the reason my plant died. Too cold here and when I saw the branches and leaves dying, I watered more, thinking it wasn't getting enough water.