We planted two small lavender plants in the same terracotta pot last spring. Cut them both back around September and this year they've been growing well.
We try to water sparingly, works out maybe once every 1-2 weeks (usually have issues with underwatering our other balcony plants…) but we water thoroughly when we do so it drains well out the bottom. I have just watered before these pictures were taken. They are on a South facing balcony in the UK, get lots of sun when it's out and we have had a hot summer, but it's not consistent sunshine I'd say.
Over the last month or so the one on the right has been yellowing and the leaves at the base turning brown and crispy. It didn't put out anywhere near as many flowers as the left one. The left one seems to be doing well? Would really appreciate some ideas about what might be affecting one and not the other!
by ex636
2 Comments
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I’m in Australia and always watching out for my lavender drying out over summer – this doesn’t look like drying out to me!
Instead, I think looks typical of collar rot – a disease incredibly common in lavender. It’s generally caused by excessive moisture around the ‘collar’ of the plant (the base of the main stem/s), leading to plant rot. It usually occurs during wetter months though, though it’s not unheard of during summer, especially in a smaller pot like this.
If this is the case, unfortunately it looks like the disease has spread quite far in the right plant. I’d personally remove it to avoid it spreading to the healthier plant on the left – though I do see some yellowing leaves around the base of that plant too.
You can try to remedy by trimming the bushiness around the base to increase airflow and pruning off all yellowed stems/leaves, but this may not be enough to save the right plant at this point. Up to you how you want to proceed.
Preventative measures include trimming the leaves around the base of the plant for good airflow, avoiding mulch and soil sitting around the base stems, and avoiding planting too deep. Lavender likes good airflow around the base.
Additionally, as it’s a such a vigorous grower, lavender usually needs a good amount of room. Two plants in such a small pot are unlikely to last very long, imo. You may like to try graduating these into individual pots of their own.
I hope this is helpful!