Lavender in pot is an adorable choice for those who want a perfumed corner on the balcony or terrace. But really keep it lush Under the summer sun it requires a pinch of attention, especially on two fronts: irrigation and pruning.
As soon as the heat becomes serious and the sun begins to hammer the days, the lavender changes rhythm. His ears open like small fireworks, the perfume invades the air, but … she also has its needs. Water it at random or cut the branches when it happens is not enough. A careful look is needed, some targeted gesture. Even those who believe they are denied with plants can do it. Just catch those signs that the plant launches, even if in silence.
It is often thought that it is an “easy” plant. And it is, but it doesn’t mean doing everything alone. A well -made year, a scissor at the right time … and she replies immediately, strongly. He knows how to be loved, if he is with respect. Very little is enough: to observe, to intervene gently, avoid the most common errors. She does the rest, dancing between the wind and the light.
How to understand if lavender is thirsty
In summer, lavender knows how to resist thirst, but be careful not to take it lightly. When it is in pots, the ground dries quickly, even too much. The classic makeup? Nothing complicated: just put a finger in the soil. If it is dry to two deep fingers, it’s time to give a drink.
Better to avoid surface and frequent watering. A beautiful wet every 3-4 days is often more effective. So the roots stretch and the plant becomes stronger. And then, never spraying leaves or flowers: it is not only useless, but it can also do damage. Broes, mold, diseases … better pour the water to the base, calmly, perhaps using a watering can with a long beak. It makes the difference, and how.
Summer pruning: when and how to intervene
After the first wave of flowers, which often arrives between June and July, lavender may seem a little ruffled. Dry ears, long branches, lop shape. No drama. Indeed, it is the right time to intervene with one light pruning.
It is not a question of cleaning clean, but a little appearance a little and give breath to the plant. A targeted cut serves:
- Give space to one new floweringperhaps more discreet but always fragrant
- Keep the plant ordered, without leaving it “shipped” to the base
- Prevent the branches from getting too hard
The trick lies in cutting i foul stemsright under the flower, leaving the sprigs still green. Old wood should not be touched: it is like a dead area, from which nothing appears anymore.
Ah, the scissors: that they are sharp and clean. Always. So you avoid wounding the plant unnecessarily or, worse, pass some infection. A simple, but fundamental gesture.
Where to keep it and what to avoid in the heat
When the heat becomes torrid, even the most resistant lavender can become suffering. If the vase is too small or ends up under the sun pending for hours, it is not uncommon to see it sad. A smart advice? Move the vase to a ventilated pointwith sun in the morning and a little shadow in the hottest hours. It takes little to make it feel better.
Then if the container is dark, eye: it can overheat and cook the roots. Better to wrap it in a light sheet, even an old rubbing can be shielding.
And the saucers? To be emptied immediately after each watering. Stagnant water is a nightmare for lavender: it risks rotting and various ailments. Better to let it drain well, always.
Last starting point, for those who want to try: summer is also the right time to make cuttings. They take the younger twigs, they slip into a vase with sandy soil, expects with a little patience. If it’s okay, a new seedling is born. A small experiment, simple but satisfactory.
Treating lavender in pots, in summer, does not require who knows what magic. Just a careful look, a little constancy and gestures made with the heart.
Because, let’s face it, that lilac cloud swaying in the sun deserves all our care. And something beautiful, in return, always gives it.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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