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You can grow lavender in a hanging basket, and it can actually be a stunning way to display this fragrant herb.
Growing lavender in a hanging basket is not only possible, but it also brings the beauty and calming scent of this Mediterranean plant right to eye level.
If you’ve been wondering if you can grow lavender in a hanging basket successfully, the short answer is yes, as long as you meet its specific needs for sunlight, drainage, and airflow.
Lavender is a tough plant that thrives in poor, well-draining soil, so a hanging basket offers a unique advantage for lavender in a hanging basket setup.
Many gardeners assume lavender needs to be in the ground, but growing lavender in a hanging basket can be a fantastic space-saving solution for patios, balconies, and small gardens.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing lavender in a hanging basket, from choosing the right variety to watering and winter care.
Let’s dig in and see if this charming herb can take to the skies for you.
Why Lavender In A Hanging Basket Works So Well
The secret behind why you can grow lavender in a hanging basket lies in the plant’s natural love for excellent drainage.
Lavender originates from rocky, dry slopes where water never lingers around the roots, and a hanging basket actually mimics this environment beautifully.
When you grow lavender in a hanging basket, the elevated position allows excess water to drain freely, which is the number one secret to keeping lavender alive and thriving.
Besides drainage, growing lavender in a hanging basket keeps the foliage off the damp ground, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that often plague this herb.
Plus, lavender in a hanging basket is a visual treat, as the silvery-green leaves and purple flower spikes cascade gently over the basket’s edges.
1. Airflow Is Naturally Improved
One of the biggest reasons you can grow lavender in a hanging basket is the increased airflow around the plant.
When lavender sits in the ground or in a pot on a patio, the air circulation can be blocked by surrounding plants or structures.
In a hanging basket, however, air moves freely around every stem and leaf, which keeps the plant dry and discourages pests like aphids and spider mites.
This constant breeze also helps prevent root rot, making lavender in a hanging basket a healthier option than you might expect.
2. You Control The Soil Mix Completely
Growing lavender in a hanging basket gives you total control over the growing medium, which is essential for this picky plant.
You can create a sandy, gritty, and alkaline mix that lavender absolutely craves, rather than fighting heavy garden soil.
A simple blend of potting soil, coarse sand, and a little perlite will ensure that your lavender in a hanging basket never sits in soggy conditions.
This control is a huge advantage because many lavender failures are due to overly rich or moisture-retentive soil, not a lack of effort.
How To Grow Lavender In A Hanging Basket Successfully
Now that you know you can grow lavender in a hanging basket, let’s talk about the practical steps to make it flourish.
The process is straightforward, but every step matters when growing lavender in a hanging basket, from basket selection to the daily care routine.
Follow these guidelines, and your lavender in a hanging basket will reward you with months of color and fragrance.
Choose The Right Basket And Lining
The first step to growing lavender in a hanging basket is picking a basket that provides excellent drainage.
Avoid solid plastic pots that trap water, and instead opt for a wire or mesh basket with plenty of holes.
Line the basket with a coco coir liner or a breathable fabric, but avoid plastic liners that hold moisture against the roots.
You can grow lavender in a hanging basket that is at least 12 to 14 inches in diameter, giving the roots enough room to spread without becoming waterlogged.
Pick A Sunny Spot For Your Lavender In A Hanging Basket
Lavender is a sun worshipper, so hanging your basket in full sun is non-negotiable.
For the best results, ensure your lavender in a hanging basket receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
If you’re growing lavender in a hanging basket on a covered porch, check that the location isn’t too shaded, as this will lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
A south-facing wall or an open balcony railing is often the ideal spot for lavender in a hanging basket.
Watering Routine For Lavender In A Hanging Basket
Watering is where most people struggle when they grow lavender in a hanging basket, simply because hanging baskets dry out faster than ground plants.
However, lavender actually prefers to dry out between waterings, so this rapid drying is a benefit, not a problem.
The key is to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to become completely dry before the next drink.
In hot summer months, you might need to water your lavender in a hanging basket every two to three days, but always check the soil first.
Never let the basket sit in a saucer of water, as this will quickly kill your lavender in a hanging basket through root rot.
Best Lavender Varieties For Hanging Baskets
Not all lavender is created equal when it comes to growing lavender in a hanging basket, so variety selection matters.
Some types of lavender grow tall and upright, while others have a more trailing or compact habit that suits basket life perfectly.
You can grow lavender in a hanging basket with any variety, but the dwarf and angustifolia types tend to perform best in confined spaces.
Here are a few tried-and-true choices to consider for your hanging lavender.
1. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is the classic choice, and it adapts well to life in a hanging basket.
Varieties like ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ stay compact and produce intense purple flowers that smell absolutely divine.
Growing lavender in a hanging basket with English types is ideal if you live in a cooler climate, as they are the most cold-hardy.
2. Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
If you want a showier look, Spanish lavender features unique, rabbit-ear-shaped petals on top of each flower spike.
This variety loves heat and is more tolerant of humidity, making it a great candidate for growing lavender in a hanging basket in warmer zones.
Just remember that Spanish lavender is less hardy, so you’ll need to bring your lavender in a hanging basket indoors during harsh winters.
Common Mistakes When Growing Lavender In A Hanging Basket
Even though you can grow lavender in a hanging basket, there are a few pitfalls that can turn your dream into a droopy disaster.
Avoiding these common errors will keep your lavender in a hanging basket healthy and blooming from spring through late summer.
Overwatering Your Lavender In A Hanging Basket
The most frequent mistake is watering too often, as gardeners treat lavender like other moisture-loving annuals.
Remember that lavender naturally thrives in drought, so your lavender in a hanging basket should never feel wet to the touch.
If you notice yellowing leaves or a sour smell from the soil, you’re likely overwatering your lavender in a hanging basket.
Using Rich Fertilizer On Lavender In A Hanging Basket
Another mistake is fertilizing lavender heavily, thinking it needs a nutrient boost to bloom.
In reality, lavender prefers poor soil, and feeding it rich fertilizer can cause lush foliage but very few flowers.
When you grow lavender in a hanging basket, skip the fertilizer entirely, or use a very diluted, low-nitrogen feed once in early spring.
Not Pruning Lavender In A Hanging Basket
Pruning is essential to keep your lavender in a hanging basket looking full and to encourage repeat blooming.
After the first flush of flowers fades, trim the stems back by about one-third, making sure not to cut into the woody base.
A light pruning in late summer will keep your lavender in a hanging basket tidy and promote a second bloom in early fall.
So, Can You Grow Lavender In A Hanging Basket?
Yes, you can grow lavender in a hanging basket, and it can be one of the most rewarding plants you’ll ever hang.
Growing lavender in a hanging basket is entirely doable when you provide sharp drainage, full sun, and a light hand with the watering can.
The key takeaway is that lavender in a hanging basket thrives on neglect, so resist the urge to fuss over it too much.
By choosing the right variety, lining your basket properly, and avoiding overwatering, your lavender in a hanging basket will flourish all season long.
So go ahead and give growing lavender in a hanging basket a try, and enjoy the soothing scent right outside your door.
Happy gardening, and may your lavender in a hanging basket bring you endless joy and relaxation.