Growing lavender in extremely windy areas presents several challenges, as strong winds can be detrimental to plant health and vigor. While lavender enjoys good air circulation (to prevent fungal issues), persistent strong winds are different and can cause significant stress and physical damage.
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Here are the key considerations for growing lavender in windy areas:
1. Physical Damage to Plants:
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Broken Stems and Branches: Strong gusts can snap brittle stems, especially older woody ones or those laden with flowers. This creates open wounds, making the plant vulnerable to disease.
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Root Rocking: Constant wind can rock the plant back and forth, loosening its roots in the soil. This prevents the roots from establishing firmly, hindering water and nutrient uptake. In severe cases, it can completely dislodge the plant.
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Dehydration/Desiccation: Wind, particularly dry or cold wind, can rapidly strip moisture from leaves and stems (a process called transpiration), leading to dehydration. This is especially problematic in winter when the ground is frozen, and roots cannot absorb water. Plants can look burnt or "wind-whipped."
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Reduced Growth: To conserve water in windy conditions, plants may close their stomata (pores on leaves), which reduces their ability to "breathe" and absorb CO2. This slows down photosynthesis and overall growth, leading to stunted plants and reduced flowering.
2. Soil and Watering Implications:
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Faster Soil Drying: Wind significantly increases the rate of evaporation from the soil surface, causing pots and garden beds to dry out much faster than in sheltered locations. This means you'll need to monitor soil moisture more frequently and adjust your watering schedule accordingly, especially for newly planted or containerized lavender.
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Soil Erosion: In very windy, dry areas, unprotected topsoil can be eroded, especially in sandy or light soils.
3. Microclimate Impact:
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Reduced Temperature: Wind chill can make ambient temperatures feel much colder to plants, impacting hardiness, particularly in winter.
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Salt Spray (Coastal Areas): If you're in a coastal area, wind can carry salt spray, which is highly detrimental to most plants, including lavender. Specific salt-tolerant varieties (like some Lavandula stoechas types) or dedicated windbreaks are essential here.
Strategies for Growing Lavender in Windy Areas:
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Site Selection and Observation:
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Identify Prevailing Winds: Observe your garden throughout the day and across seasons to understand the direction and strength of the prevailing winds.
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Utilize Natural Shelters: Look for areas naturally sheltered by buildings, fences, existing dense shrubs, or slopes. A south-facing wall or slope can offer both warmth and wind protection.
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Create Windbreaks:
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Permeable Barriers: Solid fences or walls can create turbulent eddies on the leeward side, which can be just as damaging as direct wind. Opt for permeable windbreaks that break up the wind's force but allow some air to filter through. Examples include:
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Lattice or Trellis with Climbing Plants: Provides a filtered barrier.
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Hedges or Dense Shrubs: Plant a row of wind-tolerant, dense shrubs (e.g., tough evergreens, spirea, compact viburnum) upwind of your lavender beds. Choose plants that also like sun and dry conditions, or plant them far enough away so their roots don't compete directly.
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Specialized Windbreak Fabric: Install agricultural windbreak netting or porous fabric on stakes.
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Placement: Place windbreaks upwind, far enough away to create a calm zone for your lavender but close enough to be effective.
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Plant Selection:
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Hardier Varieties: Choose lavender varieties known for their robustness and resilience. English lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia such as 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote') and some Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia like 'Grosso' or 'Provence') are generally quite tough.
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Compact Growth Habit: Smaller, more compact varieties or those with denser growth may be less prone to physical damage.
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Planting Techniques:
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Deep Planting: Plant lavender slightly deeper than usual to encourage a stronger root system that can anchor the plant better.
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Support for Young Plants: For the first year or two, consider temporary staking or small cages for young plants to help them establish without constant rocking. Remove stakes once the plant is firmly rooted.
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Mounds/Raised Beds: While good for drainage, ensure these are built solidly so they don't erode or shift in the wind.
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Soil and Watering Management:
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Excellent Drainage: Still critical. Even in windy areas, wet feet remain the biggest threat.
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Adjust Watering: Be prepared to water more frequently than in calm areas, especially during dry spells, as wind increases evaporation. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
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Heavy Mulch (Inorganic): A layer of heavy gravel or crushed stone around the base of the plant can help stabilize soil temperature, reduce moisture loss from the soil, and prevent soil splash onto the plant. It also helps weigh down the root zone. Avoid light organic mulches that can blow away.
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Pruning:
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Maintain Compactness: Regular pruning helps maintain a dense, compact form, making the plant less susceptible to wind damage than sprawling, leggy plants. Prune in spring to shape the plant and remove any winter damage.
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Remove Damaged Stems: Promptly prune out any wind-damaged or broken stems to prevent disease entry.
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Winter Protection (in colder, windy climates):
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Winter Desiccation: Cold, dry winds in winter can be very damaging, especially when the ground is frozen.
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Burlap or Frost Cloth: Loosely wrapping plants with burlap or breathable frost cloth in late fall can protect them from harsh winter winds and desiccation. Remove in early spring.
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Snow Cover: If your area gets reliable snow, it acts as an insulating blanket against cold, drying winds.
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By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve lavender's chances of thriving even in challenging, windy environments.
Lavender Farm in Door County Wisconsin. You can buy lavender products online at islandlavender.com
