6 of the Best Lavender for Pots and Containers

The best lavender for pots and containers are varieties that don't grow too big. Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is particularly well-suited for container gardening due to its compact growth habit and resilience. It can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes and other containers.

This article delves into the qualities of six outstanding English lavender varieties ideal for pot cultivation:

Blue River
Dwarf Blue
Hidcote Superior
Lavenite Petite
Little Lottie
Thumbelina Leigh

We'll explore what makes these six varieties perfect for container growing, discuss the types of pots and containers best suited for them, and conclude with insights to ensure your potted lavender thrives.

5 terracotta pots with 5 different varieties of dwarf lavender

Best Lavender for Pots: 1. Blue River (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Also Known as:

Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana'
Lavandula angustifolia 'Baby Blue'

Qualities:

Blue River captivates with its vibrant blue flowers set against silvery foliage, establishing it as a visually striking variety ideal for container gardening.
Its robust growth and prolific blooming abilities make it a preferred choice. Despite its vigorous nature, it maintains a compact size, standing just 18 inches tall, which suits it perfectly for smaller pots.
A standout feature of Blue River is its enduring bloom cycle, offering a consistent display of color and fragrance from late spring through to autumn.
This variety flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, conditions that are readily achievable in a container environment, making it a versatile and attractive option for adding long-lasting vibrancy to any space.

Best Pot for Growing this Lavender Variety:

Opt for terracotta or clay pots for Blue River to enhance drainage and air flow to the roots. A pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches will accommodate its growth while ensuring the soil dries out properly between waterings.

Best Lavender for Pots: 2. Blue Dwarf (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Also Known as:

Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana'
Lavandula angustifolia 'Baby Blue'

Qualities:

As the name suggests, Blue Dwarf is celebrated for its compact size, reaching only about 10 to 12 inches in height.
This dwarf variety produces deep blue flowers and is particularly suited for small spaces or miniature gardens.
Its modest size reduces the risk of root rot, common in potted plants.
It has a wispy appearance

Best Pot for Growing this Lavender Variety:

Blue Dwarf can be grown in smaller pots, making it ideal for those with limited space. A pot 8 to 10 inches in diameter is sufficient, ensuring it has good drainage holes. Ceramic pots with a drainage tray are perfect, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Best Lavender for Pots: 3. Hidcote Superior (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Qualities:

Hidcote Superior is a cultivar known for its dark purple flowers and compact, bushy growth.
It's a hardy variety that does well in a range of conditions, including the confined space of a pot.
This lavender's dense flower spikes not only add beauty but also attract pollinators, enhancing your balcony or garden ecosystem.

Best Pots and Containers for this Lavender Variety:

Given its bushy growth, Hidcote Superior benefits from a medium-sized pot, about 10 to 14 inches in diameter.

Wood containers can be a good choice for this variety, offering a natural look that complements the lavender's rustic charm.

Best Lavender for Pots: 4. Lavenite Petite (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Qualities:

Lavenite Petite is cherished for its petite size and stunning deep violet flowers.
It's one of the smallest varieties, making it an exceptional choice for pot cultivation.
Despite its diminutive stature, it does not skimp on fragrance or bloom volume, offering a powerful aroma and a profusion of flowers.

Best Pots for this Lavender Variety:

For Lavenite Petite, small to medium pots work best. Its small root system doesn't require much space, making it suitable for tight quarters. A pot with a diameter of 8 to 12 inches, equipped with drainage holes, is ideal, allowing for effective water management.

Best Lavender for Pots: 5. Little Lottie (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Qualities:

Little Lottie, also known as 'Clarmo,' is a unique variety with soft pink flowers, a rarity among English lavenders.
Its gentle color palette and small form factor make it a delightful addition to container gardens.
Little Lottie is a low-maintenance variety that can flourish even in limited space.

Best pots for this variety of Lavender:

This variety does well in compact pots that highlight its delicate features. Choose a pot 8 to 10 inches in diameter, ensuring it's well-draining. Glazed ceramic pots in light colors can complement Little Lottie's soft pink blooms beautifully.

Best Lavender for Pots: 6. Thumberlina Leigh (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Qualities:

Thumbelina Leigh is notable for its very compact size and early flowering period.
Its flowers bloom a bit earlier than most other varieties, extending the lavender display in your container garden.
It's also resilient and can manage well with the temperature variations often experienced in container environments.

Best Pots for this Lavender Variety:

Ideal for truly small spaces, Thumbelina Leigh can be grown in pots as small as 6 inches in diameter. However, opting for a slightly larger pot, around 8 inches, allows for better root growth and water drainage. Terracotta pots are excellent for maintaining the soil's moisture balance.

Growing plants in pots is both an art and a science, offering endless possibilities for creativity and connection with nature, even in the smallest of spaces. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, the following comprehensive list of hints and tips will help you succeed in container gardening.