When Will Lavender Come Back? Understanding and Reviving your Plant

Lavender, like any plant, can sometimes struggle or even die, leaving gardeners wondering, "When will lavender come back?" In this article, we will explore why lavender might die, what outcomes to expect, and how to rejuvenate or replace your lavender plants successfully.

What Causes Lavender to Die?

1. Watering Issues: Lavender originates from the Mediterranean, favoring dry, well-drained soils. Over-watering is a common mistake, leading to root rot which can be fatal. Conversely, while mature lavender is drought-tolerant, young plants need consistent moisture to establish themselves.

2. Soil Conditions: Lavender thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Heavy clay or overly acidic soils can hinder its growth and may require modification, such as adding limestone or sand to improve drainage and adjust pH levels.

3. Winter Damage: In colder climates, lavender can suffer from frost and freezing temperatures. While some varieties are more cold-hardy, a particularly harsh winter or lack of protective mulching can lead to plant death.

4. Pests and Diseases: Pests such as spider mites and fungal diseases like lavender shab can also stress and potentially kill lavender plants. Good cultural practices are crucial to preventing such issues.

5. Age of the Plant: When will lavender come back? Perhaps never if your plants have past their prime. Lavender typically has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Older plants naturally decline and produce less vigorous growth and fewer blooms.

What is the Outcome of my Dying Lavender?

If your lavender has died, it's important to determine whether it's a temporary setback or a permanent loss. Sometimes, what appears as plant death may actually be dormancy or seasonal dieback, especially in varieties that are deciduous or semi-deciduous* in cooler climates.

*Lavender is typically known as an evergreen shrub, especially in warmer climates where it can maintain its foliage year-round. However, in colder climates, some lavender varieties can behave as semi-deciduous or even deciduous, shedding some or all of their leaves in response to lower temperatures and frost. Here are some common varieties that may exhibit these characteristics:

Semi-Deciduous Lavender Varieties

1. French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) This variety is more likely to retain some foliage in mild winters but may lose leaves when temperatures drop significantly. It's known for its toothed leaves and is less hardy compared to other varieties.

2. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) Also known as butterfly lavender, this type can keep some of its leaves in milder climates but might drop them when exposed to severe cold. Its distinct flower heads, topped with sterile bracts that resemble rabbit ears, make it particularly ornamental.

Deciduous Lavender Varieties

Deciduous behavior in lavender is quite rare and most commonly associated with extreme cold exposure where the plant might drop all leaves to conserve energy. Here, specific varieties might not be categorized traditionally as deciduous, but harsh winters can induce a deciduous state. However, here are varieties that are generally more sensitive to cold and may respond this way:

1. Lavandula multifida (Fernleaf Lavender) Not very cold-hardy and will likely suffer in harsh winters, potentially losing all its leaves. Its finely divided, fernlike leaves and bluepurple flowers make it distinctive.

2. Lavandula canariensis (Canary Island Lavender) While not common in colder climates, if exposed to low temperatures, it might drop its leaves. It’s native to the warm climate of the Canary Islands.

Tips for Growing in Cold Climates:

If you are in a region where winters are harsh, consider these tips to help your lavender survive, potentially reducing the likelihood of it becoming deciduous:

Choose Hardy Varieties: Opt for varieties like Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender), which is more robust in cold weather.

Winter Protection: Provide winter protection with mulch around the base of the plants, and consider covering them with a frost cloth during particularly cold spells

Pruning: Prune plants in early spring to promote vigorous growth and potentially avoid dieback, which might resemble deciduous behavior.*

Proper Planting: Ensure the planting site is well-drained and sheltered from harsh winds. Planting on a slope can also help improve drainage.

Examine the Plant: Check for signs of life by inspecting the woody base for green shoots. Additionally, scratch a small area of bark with your fingernail. Green tissue indicates life; brown and dry suggests death.

Seasonal Check: Consider the time of year. Lavender enters a period of relative dormancy in winter, especially in cooler regions, and might look dead when it is merely resting.

Understanding the specific needs and characteristics of your chosen lavender variety can help in managing it effectively through the seasons, ensuring a robust return each year.

When will Lavender come Back? Tips and Advice on Getting Lavender to Grow Again

If your lavender plant has indeed died, or if you're just looking to rejuvenate an existing plant, here are some tips:

1. Replacing the Plant: If the lavender is completely dead with no signs of green shoots, consider replacing it. Choose a variety that suits your climate and soil conditions. Plant in early spring or fall for best results.

2. Soil Preparation: Amend the soil by incorporating organic matter (not too much!) and ensuring excellent drainage. Consider raised beds or gravelly soil mixes if drainage is an issue in your garden. I grow my lavender in clay, which you might think would prove a problem in the winter with the winter rains. But the variety is Grosso, and they absolutely thrive, especially as we have long dry summers where I live.

3. Correct Planting Depth: Plant lavender so that the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) is slightly above the soil level to prevent water-logging.

4. Pruning: For existing plants that are not dead but are old or leggy, pruning can stimulate new growth. Prune in early spring by cutting back about a third of the plant to just above where there is new growth.

5. Water Wisely: Water newly planted lavender regularly until established, but be cautious not to over-water. Once established, water sparingly—lavender prefers to be on the dry side. Keep remembering that lavender originated from the drier climates of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

6. Mulching: Use gravel or rock as mulch instead of organic mulches to reflect more heat onto the plant and ensure the base stays dry. Mulching too near the stem of the plant could invite fungal disease.

7. Protection from Cold: If you live in colder regions and you still want to grow lavender, you will need to protect your plants in winter by mulching with straw or using a frost cloth to cover the plants, especially in the case of non-hardy varieties.

8. Regular Maintenance: Keep an eye on pests and diseases. Treat infestations early with appropriate organic pesticides or fungicides. My go-to pesticide is neem oil. Wonderful stuff! In a 5 liter/1.3 gallon spray bottle mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Fill up the bottle with water and spray your plants once, and then two weeks later to break the reproduction cycle of your pests. Also, regularly remove any weeds that compete with lavender for resources.

Hopefully, after reading this, you won't be wondering, 'When will lavender come back?' and you have the tools in the box to coax your babies back to life.

Some More Answers to your Questions

How to Grow Lavender

What to Do with Lavender

Benefits of Lavender

Decorating with Lavender