12/08/2026
Lavender is one of the most-loved plants in NZ gardens, but here in the Far North, our warm, humid subtropical climate means it needs a bit more thought! Here’s everything you need to know to keep your lavender thriving.
PLANTING
• Full sun is essential, minimum 6+ hours a day
• Drainage is everything. Lavender hates “wet feet,” and our clay-heavy soils need help. Mound plant into raised beds or add pumice/scoria and coarse sand to the planting hole
• Slightly alkaline soil is ideal (pH 6.5–8). Our soils tend acidic, so a light application of garden lime at planting helps
• Space plants 40–60cm apart for airflow, crowding is a major cause of fungal problems in humid climates
• Avoid low-lying, damp spots or anywhere water pools after rain
WATERING
• Water deeply but infrequently once established. established lavender is drought-tolerant and overwatering is the top killer
• Water at the base, not overhead, to keep foliage dry
• In our humid summers, err on the side of under watering
PRUNING
This is the step most people skip and it’s the difference between a leggy, woody shrub and a lush, long-lived plant.
• Prune twice a year: after the main spring/summer flush, and a light tidy in autumn
• Always cut back into the green growth, never into bare, old wood, as lavender won’t reshoot from it
• Aim to remove about a third of the plant each time, keeping a rounded mound shape
• Never prune hard in winter, this invites rot in our wet months
PESTS & DISEASES
• Root rot / grey mould (Botrytis), our biggest issue, caused by poor drainage and humidity. Prevention (drainage + airflow) is the only real cure
• Spittlebug, frothy white “spit” on stems; mostly cosmetic, hose off or use insecticidal soap
• Aphids, occasional new-growth clusters; ladybirds usually sort them out
• Lavender shab (fungal dieback), wilting single stems that suddenly die; remove and destroy affected stems immediately, avoid overhead watering
FEEDING
Lavender is a low-feeder, too much nitrogen gives soft, floppy growth and fewer flowers. A light dressing of sheep pellets or a slow-release native/herb fertiliser in spring is plenty.
HARVESTING
• Harvest flower spikes just as the lowest florets open, for the best oil content and colour retention if drying
Pop into CBEC and our team can help you choose the right variety and soil mix for your section, our Far North conditions are unique, and we’re here to help you get it right the first time!
