Is Borage a hardy annual?

Is Borage a hardy annual?

Borage, also known as bugloss and starflower (Borago officinalis) is an easily grown hardy annual flowering herb that comes from Mediterranean countries. Pretty star-shaped pure blue flowers are borne from early summer though to autumn, on spreading bushy plants 60cm high.

Can lavender and marigolds be planted together?

Lavender companion plants include flowers that, like lavender, enjoy full sun and well-drained soil such as marigolds, zinnias and certain types of daisies.

What is a good companion plant for lavender?

Lavender prefers full sun and has many companion plants that can protect it from pests and stimulate its growth. Plants that are particularly good companion plants for lavender include: Herbs: Basil and oregano increase the vitality and growth of nearby lavender plants by repelling aphids and various species of flies.

Does lavender spread in the garden?

How much is it likely to spread? Lavender is a small shrub that usually grows 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. The height includes the flower stalks, so when not in bloom, the foliage may be only a foot tall. The plant does not spread as thyme, oregano, and other herbs tend to.

Can lavender and rosemary be planted together?

Can rosemary and lavender be planted together? Yes. Both rosemary and lavender are Mediterranean herbs that require similar conditions for both sun and watering.

How do you keep lavender from getting woody?

Plant your lavender in well-drained, rocky soil, on a slope (if possible) to ensure drainage. Fertilize them lightly the very first year after planting. After that, do not fertilize regularly. Prune lavender lightly to maintain the rounded shape.

What do I do with lavender when it has finished flowering?

Cut lavender stems back after they finish flowering for the first time to encourage a second flush of blooms. Shape your plant as desired, cutting into green growth about 1 to 3 inches below the flowers. Do not cut into old wood.

Does lavender bloom more than once?

English lavender blooms in late spring to early summer. If it's pruned lightly just after its first flowering, it will likely flower again in late summer. After this second flowering, a full pruning—typically in late August—will prepare it for winter and encourage more blooms in spring.

How long do lavender plants last?

The plants are not terribly long lived. If you get three or four years out of them you will have done well, but they can be replaced relatively cheaply or propagated from semi-ripe shoot tip cuttings three or four inches long in midsummer.

Does lavender grow back every year?

Lavender is a perennial herb that continues to grow each year. ... Lavender is a woody perennial, so it does continue to grow from year to year, but the stems remain upright through the winter in preparation for new spring growth. With proper care and pruning, lavender will survive in the garden for years to come.

Does Lavender need to be pruned?

Pruning: Prune right after the first flowering and again in late August after the last flush has faded. Cut off about 2/3 of the plant's height or to just above the bottom two sets of leaves on each stem. Take care not to cut into the woody part of the plant which can cause damage.

Are lavender plants easy to maintain?

Once established, lavender is very low-maintenance and requires minimal watering or pruning. If the stems become woody as the plant matures, prune it back by about half its height in the spring to promote fresh new growth and robust flowering.

Are coffee grounds good for lavender plants?

No. Coffee grounds are very high in acid and plants such as lavender and aloe do not benefit from them. ... Only use fresh grounds on acid loving plants and even then, do so sparingly.

Is Lavender hard to keep alive?

With the right light and care, it is possible to grow lavender indoors. Try your hand at growing lavender indoors. While this pretty herb isn't a traditional houseplant, you can manage to keep it healthy if you do the right things. In most situations, lavender should be grown outdoors.

Can lavender survive winter in pots?

They have to be moved indoors to survive the winter in colder zones. The good news is that lavenders are fairly compact plants that grow well in containers, which makes moving them between indoors and outdoors quite easy. If you are re-potting them, don't use too large a pot.

Does lavender do well in pots?

Start with large pots, as lavender plants can grow to the size of small shrubs. Twelve- to 16-inch containers do the job nicely. Fill the bottom inch or two of the container with Styrofoam peanuts or gravel to facilitate swift drainage. Add a tablespoon of lime to the potting mix after filling the container.

How often should I water lavender?

Water once or twice a week after planting until plants are established. Water mature plants every two to three weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest. In colder growing areas, plants may need extra winter protection.

Are eggshells good for lavender?

One good potting mix for lavender contains equal parts by volume of soil, sand, perlite, and compost. Some add a few crushed egg shells to help keep a higher pH (alkaline soil) as they decompose. Fertilize sparingly. Containers allow lavender to be moved where it can most appreciated when in bloom.

Why is my lavender bush dying?

The most likely reason your lavender is dying is because of over watering. Lavenders thrive in the scorching dry summer weather in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Therefore lavenders are exceptionally tolerant to droughts and require relatively little water to be healthy and produce flowers.

Should you water lavender every day?

Remember lavender is a drought tolerant plant, but will need regular watering for the first 3 months until it becomes acclimated to its new home. Do not water everyday. Check it every couple of days to see what it may need. Too much water will kill your plant.

How do you maintain lavender?

Water plants deeply but infrequently, when the soil is almost dry. Prune every year immediately after bloom. For low-growing lavenders, trim back foliage 1 to 2 inches. Starting in a plant's second year, all 2- to 4-foot lavenders should be cut back by about a third to keep the plant from getting overly woody.

Does lavender help you sleep?

Sleep and Lavender. Lavender has been suggested as an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve the sleep quality.

Does lavender like lots of water?

Lavender is drought-tolerant, which means mature plants don't need to be watered all the time like your other garden plants. Too much water can leave them susceptible to root rot and fungal disease. Young, newly planted lavender does need regular watering until established (either by irrigation or adequate rainfall).