The lavender tree is not just an ornamental plant, but a fragrant bonsai that, with the right combination of variety, soil, pruning and care, blooms all year round. Read how to choose the perfect seedling, prepare the ideal soil, shape the crown and ensure optimal growth and abundant flowering. So how to grow a large lavender tree.
So how do you grow a big lavender tree?! Lavender in the form of a small bush, it is already familiar to many gardeners, but the real revolution is in growing a lavender tree. This sophisticated tree, similar to a bonsai, impresses with its elegance, fragrance and photogenic appearance. With a little effort and the right techniques, you too can create your own lavender “sculpture” on your balcony or garden, which will bloom like crazy - year after year.
1. Variety selection: the key to success
To form a tree, we need a compact, slower-growing and resistant variety: How to grow a large lavender tree
- Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) – 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall, tolerates winter temperatures well, classic scent and dense growth, suitable for strict pruning.
- Lavandula stoechas (Spanish lavender) – 50–80 cm (20–31 in) tall, interesting flower “bunnies” at the top of the flower head, slightly more sensitive to cold, but a visually effective choice.
For beginners we recommend English lavender due to reliable growth and resilience.
2. Substrate and pot: the basic combination
The optimal mixture allows for excellent drainage and a healthy root environment:
- 50 % gardening fingers
- 30 % bitter sand
- 20 % perlite or fine gravel
Pot It should be at least 30 cm (12 in) wide from the outside, with clear drainage holes. Add 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) of gravel at the bottom to prevent water retention.
3. Pruning: Creating a tree shape
Regular shaping is what separates a lavender tree from a shrub:
- Trunk selection: Remove all side shoots below the primary axis when they are 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall.
- Incentive to branch out: When the trunk reaches 40–50 cm (16–20 in), shorten the top and encourage branching.
- Canopy maintenance: prune after flowering to maintain a circular, balanced crown – aim for a crown diameter about 20 cm (8 in) less than the diameter of the pot.
Regular removal of faded flowers encourages new buds and longer flowering.
4. Light and microclimate
Lavender needs:
- Direct sun: at least 6 hours a day.
- Warm, ventilated place: The temperature during the summer is between 20–30 °C (68–86 °F), but during the winter it can drop to –5 °C (23 °F) if the plant is dry.
The trap: too much moisture reduces the fragrance and encourages rot.
5. Watering and fertilizing
- Watering: only when the top 3–5 cm (1.2–2 in) of soil is completely dry; in the summer heat about 1–2 times a week, in the winter once every three weeks.
- Fertilization: liquid organic fertilizer, once a month during the growing season (spring–summer).
Encourage growth by lightly spraying the leaves in dry conditions, but watch out for premature flower buds.
6. Wind protection and breathability
Balanced ventilation is critical – prevent moisture build-up while protecting the tree from gusts of wind. Place it near a sheltered wall on warm days, and away from strong winds on colder days.
How much does a lavender tree grow:
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Normal height: 60–120 cm (this is the typical height for most garden lavenders when grown in tree form)
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Maximum height with optimal care: to 150–180 cm – In Mediterranean climates (e.g. Provence, Istria), lavender trees can reach a height of 2 meters over the years, although this requires several years of careful cultivation and pruning. Similar to Bonsai.
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Crown diameter: can exceed 1 meterif it is nicely trimmed and shaped
Conclusion: lavender tree
Growing a lavender tree is a simple gardening dance – step by step, with precise pruning and the right environment. Once you master these methods, you will be rewarded with an abundance of fragrant flowers and an unforgettable aesthetic experience at every turn. And have fun creating your own lavender masterpiece!
