Lavender is actually a very low maintenance plant. But on the balcony or in the garden the herb dries up. The following now applies: check first, then pour.
A very dry plant or a plant that looks already dry warns the gardener’s heart – they quickly reach for watering to save what can be saved. Don’t rush lavender, though, as the sun-kissed herb may have another problem. Too much water and waterlogging can actually kill it. With luck, you can revive the plant.
If the lavender seems dry, this could be for a variety of reasons
Watering lavender is one such thing. This plant is originally native to the Mediterranean region, so it can cope well with high temperatures. Its slightly silvery, small leaves reflect part of the sunlight and evaporate little water. If in doubt, it is better to water less. Waterlogging causes the roots to rot quickly and the plant will no longer absorb water – even if there is enough liquid it will dry out.
But in the long, hot summer, the plant needs water. This is less of a problem in the garden as lavender, with its long roots in the ground, takes care of itself well. But especially on the balcony in the pot, the roots sometimes run out of water when the little soil dries out.
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Withered or sunken? Check first before reaching for the watering can
So, if the lavender looks wilted or dry, you should first check if it is suffering from lack of water or overwatering. To test what’s wrong with lavender, you can scratch or bend the stems – if they’re green inside, the plant has received too much water, if they’re brown and brittle, the lavender isn’t getting enough water.
With a bit of luck, you may be able to breathe new life into the lavender by replanting it or replanting it elsewhere. If it’s dry from lack of water, if you cut it back heavily and water it, hopefully it will sprout again.
Incidentally, lavender often dries up in winter, so it should be watered outdoors on frost-free days, and in buckets a little more often. If only the buds appear dry, there is usually nothing to worry about, simply cut off the bud bases. This often encourages the lavender to bloom again.
A finger test is the best way to test if lavender needs water. Once the soil dries to a depth of three to four centimeters, you should reach for the watering can. Then the soil should be moist, but not wet.
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