Technically, lavender isn’t your typical ground cover. However, if you play your cards right, you can absolutely use this plant to carpet your garden with those iconic purple blooms and that dreamy Mediterranean vibe. Here’s how to make it happen in your own backyard.
How to Use Lavender as Ground Cover
By nature, lavender likes to reach for the sky rather than crawl along the dirt. It’s not going to spread horizontally like ivy or creeping thyme. But, if you aim for a low-growing hedge effect, it works beautifully for covering bare patches or edging your garden beds. The secret is picking a dwarf variety that stays compact and bushy rather than getting tall and leggy.
To get that lush, “carpeted” look, you’ll need to plant quite a few starts. Aim for about 12 to 16 plants per square meter (roughly 10 square feet). Space them evenly so they eventually grow together into one seamless mass. I recommend getting them in the ground during the spring, or by mid-summer at the latest. This gives the lavender plenty of time to establish a deep root system while the weather is warm.
The Perfect Soil for Your Lavender
If you want your lavender to thrive, you have to get the soil right. These plants actually prefer “poor” soil—so don’t go overboard with the fancy potting mix! They love sandy or gritty soil that drains quickly. If your dirt is too rich or stays soggy, the lavender won’t be happy. You only need to fertilize once a year right when the growing season kicks off.
Quick Care Tips:
- Fertilize just once a year in early spring.
- Only water during major heatwaves or droughts.
- Avoid soil that is too high in nitrogen.
The other “must-have” is plenty of sunshine. Lavender is definitely not a fan of the shade, so don’t try to plant it under a big, leafy tree. Find the sunniest spot in your yard, and your plants will reward you with a spectacular bloom and that amazing fragrance we all love.
