How to grow Lavender in New Zealand
Lavender is a hardy, silver-leaved perennial with fragrant flower spikes from late spring into summer, loved by bees and useful dried for sachets and in the kitchen. It is easy as long as it has full sun and sharp drainage: wet winter soil, not cold, is what kills it. A trim after flowering each year keeps plants compact and stops them going woody.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Lavender in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to April | Plant Aug to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Otago & Southland | September to April | Plant Sep to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
Where to plant
Plant lavender in full sun in free-draining soil. It tolerates cold winters well provided the soil stays free draining, but waterlogged winter soil kills it. On heavy clay, plant on a mound or in a raised bed, or grow it in pots.
Lavender does not need rich soil. Too much fertiliser and water give soft, floppy growth and fewer flowers. Humid, wet sites, common in the north, make it short-lived, so give it the sunniest, airiest spot you have.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty: plant in autumn or spring in a raised, free-draining spot with good airflow. French and Spanish types often cope better with humidity than English lavender.
- Central North Island, Wellington and Nelson and Marlborough: plant from January to April or August to October.
- Canterbury: plant from August to April so roots establish before the hard frosts. The dry east suits lavender very well.
- Otago and Southland: plant from September to April. Central Otago: plant from September to March, so roots establish before the hard frosts.
Choosing a variety
| Type or variety | Notes |
|---|---|
| English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), for example Hidcote and Munstead | The hardiest and the best for cooking and drying. Hidcote is compact with dark violet spikes; Munstead is lighter mauve-blue and long flowering |
| Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), for example Grosso | Vigorous hybrids with long stems and strong scent, good for drying and oil |
| French and Spanish lavender (Lavandula dentata and L. stoechas) | Long flowering, with toothed leaves or rabbit-ear bracts; less hardy than English lavender |
How to plant
- Choose a sunny spot and improve drainage first. Dig in a little organic matter, but do not make the soil rich.
- Water the plant in its pot, then dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.
- Plant at the same depth, firm gently and form a ring of soil around the plant to hold water.
- Space plants at least 60 cm apart, or closer for a low hedge.
- Water in gently and mulch with a mineral mulch such as gravel, or keep organic mulch well clear of the base of the plant.
- From seed, sow in trays and keep moist and warm; seed can be slow and uneven. Plant out when seedlings are about 5 cm tall.
Watering and feeding
Water deeply once or twice a week while plants establish, letting the soil dry out a little between waterings. Once established, lavender needs water only occasionally in dry summer weather.
Feed lightly in spring with a general or flower fertiliser. Heavy feeding gives soft growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning and care through the year
- Trim after flowering: remove the spent flower stems and cut the foliage back by about a third, keeping above the bare, woody base. If plants flower again in late summer, trim lightly again afterwards.
- Do not cut into old, bare wood, as it rarely reshoots.
- Replace plants when they become woody and sparse, usually after several years. Softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer root easily.
Harvesting
For drying, cut flower stems when about half the flowers on the spike have opened, on a dry morning. Hang bunches upside down in a dark, airy place, then strip the flowers and store them in a sealed jar for up to a year.
English lavender flowers are edible in small amounts in baking, desserts and teas; they are strong, so use them sparingly.
Growing in pots
Lavender suits pots, especially in wet or humid gardens. Use a pot at least 20 to 25 cm wide with good drainage holes and a free-draining potting mix, in full sun. Let the mix dry slightly between waterings and do not stand the pot in a saucer of water.
Companion planting
Lavender brings bees and other pollinators into the garden and grows well with other sun-loving, dry-tolerant herbs.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Lavender is rarely troubled by pests. Poor drainage and humid, wet weather cause most losses.
Lavender is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Plants yellow, wilt and die back, often a section at a time, in wet or heavy soil. Improve drainage or grow in pots.
Common questions
When should I prune lavender?
After flowering. Remove the spent flower stems and trim the foliage back by about a third, but do not cut into bare, woody stems. Trim again after a second flush in late summer.
Why is my lavender dying?
Usually wet roots. Lavender handles cold well but dies in waterlogged or heavy soil, especially in winter, and in very humid spots. Plant on a mound or in a pot with free-draining mix and water sparingly.
Which lavender is best for New Zealand?
English lavenders such as Hidcote and Munstead are the most reliable and the hardiest, and the best for cooking. French and Spanish lavenders flower for longer and suit warmer gardens. Lavandins such as Grosso are vigorous and good for drying.
Can I grow lavender in Auckland?
Yes, but humidity and heavy clay shorten its life. Grow it in a raised, free-draining bed or a pot in full sun with good airflow.
How do I dry lavender?
Cut stems when about half the flowers on each spike are open, on a dry morning, and hang them upside down in a dark, airy place. Strip the dried flowers into a sealed jar.
Is lavender edible?
English lavender flowers are used in baking, desserts and teas in small amounts. The flavour is strong, so use it sparingly.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow lavender; Tui: Lavender growing guide.