When to plant Lavender in Perth

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender
Lavender · Lavandula angustifolia

A hardy English lavender for a sunny, free-draining spot. It grows best in light soil. It hates sitting wet in winter. The first proper show comes after they settle.

60 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Calibrated to Perth · average last frost around 9 May

Plant out May to June. Typical frost risk October to May.
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Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Plant Out

    16 May to 23 Jun

    Plant young plants around 16th May - 23rd June in a sunny, free-draining spot. Set them at the same depth they were in the pot. Space apart. On heavy ground, plant on a mound with grit. Do not plant in a frost pocket. Water in.

    • Skip planting if the soil is sodden.
    • Autumn pots only if the ground is sharp-draining, and never into sodden soil.
    • Cuttings are a separate route. Plant those out next spring.
    • Seed is a separate route.
    • A gravel or grit collar around the crown helps winter wet.
    • A hedge can sit at {{userPrefs('30','length')}}.
  2. 02

    Water Through Establishment

    16 May to 21 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Through the first summer, from 16th May to 21st September, water at the base in dry spells only. Then stop. Do not water in winter.

    • In a pot, stand it in a rain-shadow in winter. Pots stay wet in winter rain and that is how they rot.
  3. 03

    Deadhead Spent Stems

    23 Jun to 7 Aug

    Remove faded flower spikes from 23rd June - 7th August. Cut back to a side shoot or just above fresh growth. Do not cut into old wood. Leave a few spikes at the end of the window for seed-eating birds.

    • Cut for drying as the spikes open.
  4. 04

    Prune After Flowering

    7 Aug to 6 Sept

    After flowering, from 7th August - 6th September, take off the spent stalks plus about of green. Never cut into old wood.

    • If frost has damaged the tips, clip those in spring. That is not a winter cut.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Lavender to consider

Hidcote

Compact with deep purple flowers and a neat habit, good for borders and pots.

Munstead

A classic early-flowering English lavender with a low, rounded shape.

Arctic Snow

A white-flowered form that gives a softer look in mixed plantings.

Rosea

A pink-flowered lavender for a lighter colour scheme.

Lavender guides by town

See how Lavender timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.