How Tall Lavender Plants Grow? (And How Big Does Lavender Get?)

Lavender is a popular aromatic perennial that is often used as a border plant and has value because its strong, fragrant smell brings bees and other pollinators to gardens.

With the wide variety of bloom times, flower forms, sizes, and colors, it can be easy to paint an entire garden with lavender in various shades of purple, blue, and pink. 

If you’re looking to find out more about how tall lavender plants can grow and why they can get so big, then you’ve come to the right place. 

This article will explain all the facts that you need to know about this beautiful flowering plant. You’ll discover why lavender plants can become so tall and why they can reach such a large size. 

Why Lavender Plants So Popular in Gardens and Landscaping

You’ll love the versatility and beauty that lavender brings to your garden or landscaping project! These popular plants are known for their beautiful purple flowers and fragrant aroma, and they come in a variety of sizes and types to fit your specific needs. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, lavender is an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in a variety of climates.

One of the best things about lavender is its versatility. You can use it as a border plant, an accent plant, or a groundcover, depending on the variety and size of the plant. It’s also a great choice for rock gardens or xeriscapes, as it’s drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry conditions.

In addition to its practicality, lavender is also extremely attractive. The plants have beautiful purple flowers that bloom in the summer and attract bees and other pollinators. The plants also have attractive gray-green foliage that is fragrant when touched.

And if that wasn’t enough, lavender is also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can use the flowers and leaves in cooking and baking, and the essential oils can be used in a variety of products, such as perfumes, lotions, and soaps.

How Tall Does Lavender Plants Grow?

Lavender grows naturally on bushy stalks that can reach anywhere from 1 to 3 feet tall. Even at that height, they do not require staking. Be sure to research the variety you want to grow or are growing to better determine how tall it will grow as it matures. 

Some common varieties include Provence, a large variety that will reach 3 feet tall, and the medium-sized varieties Royal Velvet and Buena Vista. Medium-sized varieties generally reach 18–24 inches in height, including the blossom stalks.

English lavender tends to grow to about 2-3 feet tall, while French lavender can reach up to 4 feet. Of course, there are always exceptions to these averages, and some varieties are naturally shorter or taller than others.

Smaller varieties include Thumbelina Leigh, Munstead, and Hidcote and will grow 12–18 inches tall. These small varieties are more compact than larger varieties and do especially well in container gardening.

How Big Does Lavender Get?

Lavender plants will spread outwards from their base, forming a clump of stems and foliage. The size of the clump will depend on the variety of lavender being grown and the conditions in which it is grown. In dry, well-draining soil, lavender plants may spread more slowly, while in moist, fertile soil, they may spread more quickly.

Some small, compact varieties of lavender can have a diameter of just a few inches, while larger varieties can spread to several feet in diameter. 

For example, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is a compact variety that grows to about 12 inches tall and spreads to about 18 inches in diameter. On the other hand, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Grosso’ is a larger variety that can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread to about 3 feet in diameter.

What Factors Affect Lavender Height?

I often hear people ask about the height of these beautiful plants, and it’s no surprise that people want to know how tall they can grow.

The truth is, the height of a lavender plant can vary based on a number of factors. Climate and weather conditions, soil type and quality, and the amount of sunlight the plant receives can all play a role in how tall it grows. 

Your lavender plant will also grow based on your region’s climate and hardiness zone. In warm climates, lavender tends to grow as a shrub. However, lavender grown in cooler climates will stay lower to the ground.

If you live in a humid area, you should cut back your lavender to let more air in and stop fungi and mold from growing.

The age of the plant and the specific variety of lavender being grown can also make a difference.

How to Control Lavender Growth?

Controlling lavender growth is easy, and there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your lavender plants looking their best. These tips will help you manage the size and shape of your lavender plants and keep them looking healthy and beautiful.

• Pruning regularly. Pruning can encourage branching and promote a more compact growth habit. 
• Choosing a dwarf or compact variety of lavender can also help keep the plant at a more manageable size. 
• Finally, planting your lavender in pots or containers can limit the plant’s root growth and help keep it at a desired height.

Does Lavender Grow On Vines or Trees?

Lavender is an herb that grows into a subshrub. It does not require staking, as a vine would, because of the structural strength of the plant’s stalks. However, you can grow your lavender shrub into a small tree.

Lavender trees, which are also called lavender topiaries, are different from their shrubby counterparts because they are heavier at the top. This is because the lower branches are cut back to help the trunk grow. 

Lavender shrubs and lavender trees share several characteristics. They have the same basic needs, including container size.

Ornamental lavender trees are almost always kept indoors or on patios in their containers. When growing a lavender tree or a shrub, it should be kept in a relatively small container.

Lavender does better without excess soil around the roots, since lavender is susceptible to root rot. Generally, a container 1-2 inches larger than the root ball is the correct size for a lavender tree.

How Is Lavender Grown Commercially?

Lavender has stayed in business because it is used in so many essential oils, perfumes, bath products, and cleaning products. There are about 20 commercially important growers in the US. The types of lavender they grow mostly depend on the weather in the area.

Commercial lavender growers must keep the soil’s drainage and pH levels stable to ensure a long-lasting crop that can be sold for money.

Lavender grows best in sandy, loamy soil with a pH between 6 and 8. According to Kentucky University, many farms have to change their soil to improve drainage in order to get the best growth and avoid root rot, which lavender is especially prone to. 

Lavender, which is a woody subshrub, grows well from softwood cuttings. This means that commercial growers can quickly and easily add to their lavender fields with already-established plants. 

Lavender farms don’t have to worry too much about pests, and the strong smell of lavender actually brings helpful insects to nearby crops.

However, lavender is susceptible to damage from freezing. Many farms will use windbreaks or hoop houses to protect their perennial crop throughout the year.