Generally speaking, lavender usually reaches a height of anywhere between 12 and 28 inches. However, depending on where you plant it and how you care for it, that growth can vary quite a bit. Here’s the lowdown on what affects your lavender’s height and what you should keep in mind before getting your hands in the dirt.
How Tall Does Lavender Actually Get?
Botanically speaking, lavender is considered a subshrub. Unlike some of those towering perennials in your garden, these guys stay relatively compact, typically topping out between 30 and 70 centimeters (about 1 to 2.5 feet). The exact height really comes down to which variety you choose to plant in your garden beds or keep in a pot.
You’ll find varieties that stay low to the ground, mid-sized options, and some “giants” that reach a bit higher. Just a heads-up: flower colors vary by variety, too! You won’t always get that classic purple bloom with every type. Plus, not every variety is a winner when it comes to using it in the kitchen.
Low-Growing Varieties
- Blue Scent (10-16 inches)
- Dwarf Blue (8-12 inches)
- Munstead (12-20 inches)
- Peter Pan (10-14 inches)
Mid-Sized Varieties
- Hidcote (16-20 inches)
- Miss Katherine (20-24 inches)
Tall Varieties
- Grosso (24-28 inches)
- Hidcote Giant (24-28 inches)
- Imperial Gem (28-32 inches)
Factors That Influence Your Lavender’s Height
Giving your lavender the right TLC is key to its growth. If you pick a sunny spot with lean, well-draining soil, you’re hitting the sweet spot for what this plant needs. If your lavender gets less sun in a particular year due to where it’s planted or a cloudy season, it might not reach its full height potential.
Also, keep in mind that lavender grown in containers usually stays smaller than its garden-grown cousins. In a pot, the plant can’t develop its long taproot, meaning it can’t pull as many nutrients from the soil as it would in the ground. You can make up for this a little bit with the right fertilizer, but don’t go overboard! As I mentioned, lavender actually thrives best when things are a little “tough” and the soil is sparse.
