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Lavender is a quite resilient plant that often does not need much maintenance, but in autumn it often dies as most gardeners do not know how to care for it properly. In summer, it is easy to get into the habit of watering plants constantly, as the soil can quickly dry out and flowers to start dying within a day due to the intense heat.
However, lavender naturally grows in really hot areas throughout the Mediterranean, and its waxy foliage has been designed to lock in moisture. If you notice your lavender flowers becoming brown or drooping, it is natural to panic, but hold off your watering can for now as overwatering is the most common way to kill this plant.
Why does lavender begin wilting in September?
I have a lavender outside in my garden and also sitting in my home, and the only time I have managed to kill this hardy plant is in September by watering it far too much.
If you notice lavender foliage becoming discoloured at this time of year do not make the same mistake as me, as the plant is likely suffering from cold damage.
Lavender grows in warm climates and a sudden change in temperature can shock it, which makes it feel dry and even cause it to begin wilting.
Having a dropping plant is never good, but with lavender it is usually best to simply leave it alone to wait for it to recover or move it if it is sitting in a pot.
How to keep lavender alive in autumn and winter?
Try to keep your outdoor lavender against a wall or on a patio to help shield it from the worst of the rain and winds at this time of year.
However, if it is sitting in your home, then move it away from a window but try to leave it dry and placed far away from your bathroom or kitchen as it will not like the humidity.
It can help to buy a grow light for a lavender plant at this time of year, as they need at least six hours of sunlight a day, and any draft from a window can stress it out.
Once you have found the perfect spot for your lavender, then only water it once the top layer of soil has dried out completely as it will not like any excess moisture.
The easiest way to know if lavender needs to be watered is to simply place a finger in the soil to see if it is dry, but on average the plant should be watered every two to three weeks.
Lavender plants are quite easy to keep happy as long as you keep it dry, warm and well-lit — it should continue to stay healthy throughout the colder months.
