How often should you water lavender in the heat? Experts offer advice for a summer care routine
The required watering frequency depends on several different factors, as our team of professionals explains
Extreme summer heat can wreak havoc with our gardens, making it harder to determine our plants' watering needs. Especially plants such as lavender, which typically prefer a dry environment but not necessarily for prolonged periods.
As a result, when it comes to caring for lavender plants, the watering routine is not a straightforward one-rule-for-all approach of little and often. It all depends on whether the plant is in a pot or growing in the ground and how established it is.
These key factors can make all the difference between a healthy, thriving plant and one that struggles to survive. To gain a clear picture of what's best, we've consulted a team of trusted garden experts for an optimum routine to ensure we're watering your garden sufficiently.
How often should I water lavender plants?
While the timing of pruning lavender is key to encouraging healthy growth, watering is even more important at this time of year to ensure the plant remains hydrated but not waterlogged.
"Lavender is a naturally drought-tolerant plant once it's established, so it's much happier with a good soak every now and then than frequent little drinks," explains Orpheus Alexander, w&h's resident gardener.
"If it's planted in the ground, established lavender will usually only need watering during long dry spells. Newly planted lavender is different, though, and will need more regular watering for the first few weeks while it settles in.
Lavender grown in pots dries out much more quickly, especially if it's in full sun. During summer, it's worth checking the compost every couple of days and only watering when the top few centimetres feel dry."
Orpheus is a gardener, designer and lifelong plant enthusiast who regularly works with w&h as our 'resident gardener' to help solve problems. He shares practical tips and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his projects on social media, where you’ll often find him talking plants, design ideas, and the joys (and challenges) of real-life gardening.
Do I have to water lavender every day?
With the record-breaking high temperatures of recent weeks, it's easy to wonder whether you should water outdoor plants every day in hot weather, but more often than not, it's that's not necessary – unless you are watering seedlings.
Because lavender is a drought-tolerant plant, it doesn't fall into the category of daily watering unless it's newly potted and needs help to establish stronger roots.
"Lavender is one of those plants that's much happier being a little drier than too wet," says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardeningexpress.co.uk. "If it's growing in the ground, a well-established plant will usually only need watering during long hot spells, as rainfall is often enough."
And while a patio container plant will require more water, it still won't need to be every day, as Chris explains: "Potted lavender is a different story because the compost dries out much faster. During warm weather, you'll probably need to water once or twice a week, but it's always better to check the soil first rather than watering on a schedule."
Does it need more water in hot weather?
In short, yes. Like many garden plants, lavender may require a little more water to stay hydrated during hot weather. But this also depends on where it is growing - in the ground or in a pot.
"During a heatwave, potted lavender may need watering every couple of days, or even daily if it's in a small container," says Orpheus, suggesting also, "If you can, move pots out of the strongest afternoon sun into a spot with a little light shade. This helps stop the compost from drying out so quickly while still giving the plant plenty of light.
"Lavender growing in the ground is generally much more resilient, but if there's been no rain for a prolonged period, an occasional deep watering is far better than frequent light watering."
Chris agrees but also warns not to misjudge the amount. "You'll usually need to water a bit more often when temperatures climb, especially if the lavender is in a pot sitting in full sun. That said, don't be tempted to overcompensate, as lavender is naturally drought-tolerant, so even in hot weather it still prefers a good soak now and then rather than being kept constantly damp."
How can you tell when it needs watering?
It can be hard, especially during periods of extreme heat, to tell when a plant needs watering more often. So what are the telltale signs that a lavender plant needs watering? "The best way is to check the soil rather than the plant," says Orpheus.
"Push your finger a couple of inches into the compost or soil. If it still feels damp, leave it alone. If it's dry, it's time to water. During prolonged dry weather, the foliage may start to droop slightly, but it's always worth checking the soil first before reaching for the watering can."
Can lavender be overwatered?
Lavender can most certainly fall victim to overwatering; in fact is is one of the most common reasons it struggles in both pots and soil. Explaining the reasons why, Orpheus says: "Lavender doesn't like sitting in wet soil, and constantly damp conditions can quickly lead to root rot and poor growth."
Chris is quick to stress, "Once root rot sets in, the plant can be difficult to save."
Given this, it is essential to consider the growing conditions first and foremost. "Good drainage is every bit as important as getting the watering right," explains Orpheus.
Right now, it's all about watering and mulching to help lavender plants survive the summer climate, but come autumn, it pays to know how to overwinter lavender to prepare it for the dormant months in winter.
