Why Your Lavender Is Dying
Lavender dies from overwatering, poor drainage, or cold. It wants dry, sandy soil and full sun.
The 3 Causes
Cause 1: Overwatering
Signs: Yellow leaves, wilting, root rot. Fix: Let soil dry. Water sparingly.
Cause 2: Poor Drainage
Signs: Water pools. Clay soil. Fix: Amend with sand. Plant in raised bed.
Cause 3: Cold
Signs: Dies in winter. Not cold-hardy variety. Fix: Choose hardy varieties. Mulch.
What to Do
- Stop watering.
- Check drainage. Amend with sand.
- Check variety. Zone hardiness.
- Mulch in winter. Protects roots.
Prevention
- Full sun
- Sandy, well-draining soil
- Water sparingly
- Choose hardy varieties
Common Questions
Why is my lavender dying? Overwatering. #1 killer.
How often should I water? When top 2 inches dry.
Can lavender grow in clay soil? No. Amend with sand or use raised bed.
Is it cold-hardy? Depends on variety. English is hardiest.
Can I grow it indoors? Yes, with 6+ hours of light.
Should I prune it? Yes. After flowering. Never into old wood.