Lavender isn’t exactly a “hungry” plant—it actually thrives in poor, sandy soil rather than rich, nutrient-heavy dirt. This makes it the perfect candidate for a gravel garden! If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to add some Mediterranean flair to your yard, here’s everything you need to know about growing lavender in gravel.
The Perks of Planting Lavender in Gravel
Planting lavender in a gravel bed is a total win-win. First off, the rocky ground provides the exact growing conditions lavender loves. Secondly, it’s a massive time-saver for you. Weeds rarely stand a chance in a well-laid gravel bed, so you can pretty much retire your weeding hoe and just enjoy the view.
That said, even low-maintenance plants need a little love. While lavender thrives in the heat and soaks up every bit of sunshine it can get, those stones can get pretty hot in the peak of summer. Keep an eye on the moisture levels so your plants don’t completely dry out. You’ll want to water them consistently but carefully—don’t overdo it, and your lavender will reward you with a stunning, fragrant bloom.
How to Set Up Your Lavender Gravel Bed
Since lavender naturally digs sandy, rocky soil, a gravel bed is a match made in heaven. To get started, pick your spot and dig out the area, removing any grass or existing weeds. You’ll want to dig down at least 8 inches (20 cm). Fill that space back up with a mix of sand or fine gravel; you can mix in a little bit of garden soil if you like, but keep it lean.
Give the ground a quick turn with a hoe to loosen things up, then smooth the surface until it’s nice and level. Now comes the fun part: you can arrange larger decorative stones or use colored gravel to create paths or patterns. Once your “canvas” is ready, go ahead and tuck your lavender plants into their new home.
Looking for some neighbors for your lavender? These plants pair beautifully in a gravel setting:
- Ornamental grasses
- Gentian
- Magnolias
- Cherry Laurel
- Broom (Genista)
